West Nile encephalitis in 2 hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: case series and literature review

TitleWest Nile encephalitis in 2 hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: case series and literature review
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2003
AuthorsHong DS, Jacobson KL, II R, de Lima M, Anderlini P, Fuller GN, Ippoliti C, Cool RM, Leeds NE, Narvios A, Han XY, Padula A, Champlin RE, Hosing C
JournalClinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
Volume37
Issue8
Pagination1044 - 9
Date PublishedOct 15
Type of ArticleCase Reports Review
ISSN1537-6591 (Electronic) 1058-4838 (Linking)
Accession Number14523768
Keywords*West Nile virus, Aged, Encephalitis / prevention & control / *virology, Fatal Outcome, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / *adverse effects, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, West Nile Fever / *etiology / prevention & control
Abstract

Most human cases of West Nile virus infection are acquired via bites from an infected mosquito. In some cases, infection may also be transmitted by infected blood products or transplanted organs. There have been recent publications suggesting that chemotherapy and immunosuppression may increase a person's risks of developing central nervous system disease if the person is infected with the West Nile virus. Because patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation not only are immunocompromised, but also receive multiple blood products, they are at a particularly high risk for acquiring symptomatic disease if exposed to the West Nile Virus. We describe here 2 patients who underwent hematopoietic transplantation at our institution and subsequently developed fatal West Nile virus infections.

DOI10.1086/378278
Alternate JournalClin Infect Dis
Notify Library Reference ID691

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