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St. Louis encephalitis virus possibly transmitted through blood transfusion-Arizona, 2015
Heather Venkat1,2,3, Laura Adams2,4, Rebecca Sunenshine3,4
1Epidemic Intelligence Service Program, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia.
Transfusion
|September 15, 2017
Summary
St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) infection was confirmed in a kidney transplant recipient. Investigation suggests transmission occurred via blood transfusion, marking a potential first case. Healthcare providers should be vigilant for SLEV transfusion risks during outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus rarely causing central nervous system infections.
- Blood donors in the U.S. are not screened for SLEV, and transfusion transmission is unreported.
- A kidney transplant recipient in Arizona was diagnosed with SLEV infection in September 2015, prompting an investigation.
Observation:
- The patient presented with neurological symptoms consistent with SLEV infection.
- Mosquito-borne transmission was deemed unlikely due to limited outdoor exposure and negative mosquito surveillance.
- The organ donor and other recipients tested negative for SLEV.
Findings:
- One of four blood product donors to the patient had a confirmed recent SLEV infection.
- This case suggests a potential transmission route of SLEV through blood transfusion.
- Laboratory tests confirmed recent SLEV infection in the transplant recipient.
Implications:
- This investigation presents the first reported potential case of SLEV transmission via blood transfusion.
- Heightened awareness of SLEV transfusion transmission is crucial for healthcare providers during SLEV outbreaks.
- Public health strategies may need to consider blood screening during SLEV epidemics.
