West Nile virus encephalitis in organ transplant recipients: another high-risk group for meningoencephalitis and death

Transplantation. 2004 Feb 15;77(3):466-9. doi: 10.1097/01.TP.0000101434.98873.CB.

Abstract

West Nile virus infection has been spreading westward across the continental United States since 1999. Although it often presents as a mild, self-limiting viral illness, it can result in a devastating meningoencephalitis in some patient populations, particularly the elderly. We report in this article on two immunosuppressed transplant patients who developed a severe meningoencephalitis caused by mosquito-borne West Nile virus infection. Suggestions for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of West Nile virus infection in this patient population are described.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy / adverse effects
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Meningoencephalitis / diagnosis
  • Meningoencephalitis / mortality
  • Meningoencephalitis / pathology
  • Meningoencephalitis / virology*
  • Risk Assessment
  • West Nile Fever*