Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) in Kidney transplant patients: A case series and literature review

Abstract

COVID-19 is a novel highly contagious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Immunosuppressed people are at a higher risk for unfavourable outcomes if infected with SARS-CoV-2, as cellular immunity plays a key role in determining the course and outcome in COVID-19. Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are thus a distinct subset of the population. We describe our early experience with 2 KTRs requiring hospital admission due to COVID-19 and who recovered well. We conclude that timely intervention in the form of modifying immunosuppression and close monitoring and institution of further measures based on clinical severity is needed in KTRs with COVID-19.