Stefano Mario Susini

Dr. Stefano Mario Susini


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
17 August 2026 in Acta Microbiologica Hellenica
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BPBiagio Pinchera
Biagio Pinchera
ADAlessia d'Agostino
Alessia d'Agostino
SSStefano Mario Susini
Stefano Mario Susini
MSMaria Michela Scirocco
Maria Michela Scirocco
FSFabrizio Salemi
Fabrizio Salemi
IGIvan Gentile
Ivan Gentile
Background: Refractory cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains a major challenge after solid organ transplantation (SOT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Maribavir has demonstrated efficacy and a favorable safety profile in clinical trials, but real-world data on virological endpoints, treatment duration, and recurrence remain limited. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive transplant recipients treated with maribavir for refractory CMV infection/disease at a tertiary referral center in Naples, Italy. Clinical and laboratory information were extracted from medical records. Results: Six patients were included: five SOT recipients and one autologous HSCT recipient. Maribavir was administered at 400 mg twice daily for a median of 43.5 days (IQR 23–56 days). At the end of treatment, five patients had detectable CMV DNA < 1000 IU/mL without confirmed clearance. Patient 6 was the only patient to achieve confirmed clearance (<LLOQ on two consecutive tests) and experienced virological and clinical rebound 18 days after discontinuation. Overall, 3/6 patients rebounded within 15–21 days. Adverse events were mild, and no patient discontinued therapy because of toxicity. Conclusions: In this small real-world series, maribavir was well tolerated and was associated with marked reductions in CMV DNA. However, three patients experienced early post-treatment rebound, including the only patient who achieved confirmed clearance. These observations are hypothesis-generating and do not establish a stopping threshold for low-level DNAemia or a validated post-treatment monitoring interval. Larger studies incorporating longitudinal viral kinetics, immune recovery, and resistance testing are needed.