Transplant-Associated LCMV Infection

Two patients died from overwhelming lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection after receiving kidneys from an infected donor.

The house mouse is the natural reservoir for lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), but other small rodents such as hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats can also be infected. Humans acquire the virus through exposure to rodent excreta. LCMV infection in humans is rarely (<1%) fatal and often manifests as a flulike syndrome, although aseptic meningitis or fatal hemorrhagic fever–like disease can develop.

In April 2008, an organ-procurement organization reported to the CDC that two recipients of kidneys from a common 49-year-old donor who had aseptic meningitis at the time of organ harvest had become ill; one had died. The donor’s antemortem cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contained 478 white blood cells (96% lymphocytes) per mm³ and had an elevated …

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter