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Powassan Virus Infection Likely Acquired Through Blood Transfusion Presenting as Encephalitis in a Kidney Transplant

Lindsay Taylor1, Taryn Condon2, Eric M Destrampe3

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|June 16, 2020
PubMed

Insights

A kidney transplant recipient developed encephalitis after receiving a blood transfusion. The donor was later found to have Powassan virus, suggesting a rare case of transfusion-transmitted infection.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Transplantation Medicine

Background:

  • Powassan virus (POWV) is an emerging tick-borne flavivirus associated with severe neurological illness.
  • Tick exposure is the primary transmission route, but alternative transmission pathways are being investigated.
  • Kidney transplant recipients are immunocompromised, potentially increasing their susceptibility to infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a probable case of transfusion-transmitted Powassan virus infection.
  • To highlight the potential risk of POWV transmission through blood products.
  • To emphasize the importance of donor screening and awareness in preventing transfusion-related infections.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a kidney transplant patient who developed encephalitis.
  • Review of patient's medical history, including transplantation and blood transfusion details.
  • Investigation of the blood donor's health status and subsequent laboratory testing for Powassan virus.

Main Results:

  • A kidney transplant patient presented with encephalitis three weeks post-transplantation.
  • The patient received a blood transfusion from an asymptomatic donor.
  • The donor was subsequently diagnosed with Powassan virus infection, indicating a probable transfusion-transmitted case.

Conclusions:

  • Blood transfusion may represent an alternative route for Powassan virus transmission.
  • This case underscores the need for vigilance regarding transfusion-transmitted infections, especially in immunocompromised populations.
  • Further research is warranted to assess the risk and prevalence of transfusion-transmitted POWV.
Keywords:
Powassan virusblood transfusionencephalitisrenal transplant

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