[Microbiology of transplants]

Infections are one of the main complications that decisively affect the final outcome of transplants. Clinical microbiology laboratory has a key role in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of these complications. Centres with transplant programs must be technically supported with a well developed laboratory with special emphasis in rapid diagnostic techniques. In this article, we review the clinical background for the laboratory, its role in the evaluation of both donors and recipients, and the diagnostic methods for the main pathogens infecting transplant patients.