Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Heterotopic Cervical Heart Transplantation in Mice
Published on: August 25, 2015
West Nile virus encephalitis infection in a heart transplant recipient: a case report
David Bragin-Sánchez1, Patricia P Chang
1Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7075, USA.
Abstract:
Infection with West Nile virus (WNV) ranges from causing no symptoms to causing non-specific fever, meningitis, meningo-encephalitis and death. Advanced age and immunosuppression are the greatest risk factors for the development of encephalitis or other neurologic manifestations of WNV. We report the first fatal case of primary WNV infection in an orthotopic heart transplant recipient. We reviewed the literature on WNV infection in the general population and in immunocompromised hosts. As WNV becomes more common in the United States, it will become an increasing threat to our transplant population.
Related Concept Videos
Arboviral Encephalitis
Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Cryptococcal Meningitis
