A. Nappo, M. Giacomini

Depart. of Communication Computer and System Science – DIST – University of Genova

The control on viral and bacterial infections and on the resistance against antibiotics in hospital bacteria is a matter of vital importance in the follow up of transplant patients. There are many reviews in literature that indicate the importance of infections for the morbidity and mortality in the transplanted subjects [1-4]. For instance: the cause of death, based on a review of medical records and autopsy reports in 23 year history of renal transplant was classified as infection in 69.6% of cases (58.0% by bacteria and 6.2% by viruses) [2]. The danger of infections remains for a significant amount of time: the 15% of bone marrow transplant recipients death for late infection (about after 1 year from the transplantation) [1]. A regular way to obtain speedy and reliable referrals can save several human lives. This work starts from an agreement between three institutes: the laboratory Bioengineering and Medical Informatics (MEDINFO) of the Department of Communication Computer and System Science (DIST), the section of microbiology of Department of Specialist Surgery, Anaesthesiology and Organ Transplant (DISCAT) at San Martino hospital in Genova and the transplant centre of the same structure.