# Susceptibility of solid organ transplant recipients to viral pathogens with zoonotic potential: A mini-review

## TL;DR

This mini-review explores how solid organ transplant recipients are more vulnerable to zoonotic viruses due to their weakened immune systems.

## Contribution

The paper provides an updated overview of zoonotic viruses relevant to organ transplant recipients and their clinical implications.

## Key findings

- Transplant recipients are at higher risk of zoonotic viral infections due to immunosuppression.
- Reactivation of dormant viruses poses a threat to organ viability and patient health.
- Viral coinfections are influenced by complex, multifactorial events requiring ongoing surveillance.

## Abstract

A substantial number of zoonotic diseases are caused by viral pathogens, representing a significant menace to public health, particularly to susceptible populations, such as pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Individuals who have undergone solid organ transplantation frequently experience immunosuppression, to prevent organ rejection, and, thus are more prone to opportunistic infections. Furthermore, the reactivation of dormant viruses can threaten transplant recipients and organ viability. This mini-review examines the up-to-date literature covering potential zoonotic and organ rejection-relevant viruses in solid organ transplant recipients. A comprehensive list of viruses with zoonotic potential is highlighted and the most important clinical outcomes in patients undergoing transplantation are described. Moreover, this mini-review calls attention to complex multifactorial events predisposing viral coinfections and the need for continuous health surveillance and research to understand better viral pathogens' transmission and pathophysiology dynamics in transplanted individuals.