What is the largest contributing factor to infection after a transplant?

The largest contributing factor to infection after a transplant is immunosuppressive medication. After organ transplantation, patients are prescribed immunosuppressive drugs to prevent the body from rejecting the transplanted organ. While these medications are essential for the longevity and success of the transplant, they also significantly lower the body's immune response.

A weakened immune system means that the body is less capable of fighting off infections, making transplant recipients more vulnerable to both opportunistic infections and common pathogens. The risk of infection is particularly heightened in the early phases following transplantation, when immunosuppressive regimens are often more aggressive. Understanding the impact of these medications on the immune system is crucial for both patient care and education, as it highlights the importance of monitoring for signs of infection and adhering to infection prevention protocols in transplant patients.

Other factors like the placement of the kidney or the condition of surgical incisions can play roles in infection risk, but they are not as significant as the effect that immunosuppressive therapy has on the immune system's ability to defend against pathogens.