A patient receiving cyclosporine after a kidney transplant develops hypoxemia. What is a likely cause of this symptom?

In the context of a patient receiving cyclosporine following kidney transplantation, the development of hypoxemia can be linked to cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonitis. This condition is a known complication in immunocompromised patients, including those on immunosuppressive therapies like cyclosporine. CMV can lead to significant pulmonary complications due to its ability to infect lung tissue and cause inflammatory changes, which can manifest as pneumonia.

CMV pneumonitis typically presents with respiratory symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, and hypoxemia. The underlying mechanism involves viral replication leading to necrosis of alveolar epithelial cells, interstitial inflammation, and subsequent impairment of gas exchange. Given that this patient is on immunosuppressive therapy, they are at increased risk for CMV reactivation.

While the other options relate to infectious or inflammatory processes that may affect the lungs in such patients, CMV pneumonitis is particularly relevant in the setting of cyclosporine, making it a likely cause of hypoxemia in this case.