Prospective Evaluations of Infectious Complication in Lung Transplant Recipients

The primary aim of this study is to determine prospectively the viral and C. pneumoniae infection prevalence and outcomes of infections in lung transplant recipients. The study will also determine the correlation of C. pneumoniae infection with the development of obliterans in lung transplant recipients.

This is a prospective cohort study of lung transplant recipients and those who will undergo lung transplantation. Patients will be identified by the pulmonologist performing the bronchoscopy. The patient's sera (obtained from a one time blood draw of 10 milliliters - two tablespoons) and cell pellet of BAL will be frozen at -70º C. Once the active or non- OB status is determined by the pathologist, stored BAL fluid (cell pellet) will be analyzed. C.pneumoniae serum titers will also be measured and compared with stored pre-transplant sera. Left over cell pellet of the BAL fluid will be used to measure the presence of C. pneumoniae by PCR method. Additionally PCR will be performed for other viruses (CMV, EBV, HHV6 \& 7, human metapneumo virus and human rhino virus). In addition, during the bronchoscopy procedure as part of the patient's standard of care, a biopsy is obtained. This is done during the bronchoscopy procedure. The tissue is then sent to the pathology lab. We will collect residual (excess) tissue samples to perform research related testing. This testing will determine if we can predict other types of infections and early onset of rejection. These determinations will assist clinicians in administering appropriate dosage levels of antibiotics required to prevent or treat infections and help stop the rejection process. The subject will be asked a few questions about pulmonary symptoms that will not take more than five minutes by one of the investigators or study coordinator. The subject's medical record will be reviewed for demographic information (age, sex, and race), lab results (standard to post transplant care), medication information, as well as any testing/procedures during the transplant follow-up period. This information and results of the tests/procedures will become part of the research record.