Persistent infection with West Nile virus years after initial infection

J Infect Dis. 2010 Jan 1;201(1):2-4. doi: 10.1086/648731.

Abstract

West Nile virus (WNV) RNA was demonstrated in 5 (20%) of 25 urine samples collected from convalescent patients 573-2452 days (1.6-6.7 years) after WNV infection. Four of the 5 amplicons sequenced showed >99% homology to the WNV NY99 strain. These findings show that individuals with chronic symptoms after WNV infection may have persistent renal infection over several years.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • RNA, Viral / urine*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • West Nile Fever / virology*
  • West Nile virus / genetics
  • West Nile virus / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • RNA, Viral