Solid organ transplant-associated lymphocytic choriomeningitis, United States, 2011

Adam Macneil1, Ute Ströher, Eileen Farnon

  • 1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Insights

Organ transplant recipients can contract lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) from donors. This fourth cluster highlights the severe risk, with two of four recipients dying from LCMV infection.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Transplant Medicine

Background:

  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a known cause of organ transplant-associated infections.
  • Previous clusters in the US resulted in high mortality among organ transplant recipients.

Observation:

  • A fourth cluster of LCMV infection was identified in February 2011 following organ transplantation.
  • The organ donor died from diabetic ketoacidosis and generalized brain edema.
  • Four recipients received organs (kidneys, liver, lung) from the infected donor, all developing severe post-transplant illness.

Findings:

  • LCMV infection was confirmed in the donor and all four recipients using reverse transcription PCR.
  • Identical viral sequences from the LCMV large segment were found in all five individuals.
  • Two of the four organ transplant recipients in this cluster survived despite severe illness.

Implications:

  • LCMV infection is a critical consideration for unexplained severe post-transplant illness.
  • This case underscores the importance of donor screening and awareness of zoonotic viral transmission in transplantation.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management of LCMV are crucial for improving outcomes in organ transplant recipients.

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