West Nile Virus and Organ Transplants
ATLANTA, USA- All four patients who received transplanted
organs (kidneys, heart, and liver) of a Georgia woman, have been
diagnosed with West Nile Virus. One of the four patients died on
August 29, 2002 while two others have developed encephalitis. The
fourth patient was confirmed to have West Nile Virus from blood
tests whose results were released September 5, 2002. This is the
first documented case of West Nile Virus infection from a source
other than a mosquito bite.
Doctors are unsure how the organ donor contracted West
Nile Virus. She could have been infected from a mosquito bite, or
through blood transfusions used in an attempt to save the car crash
victim's life. Other mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria have
been know to be transmitted through blood transfusions.
This event brings up issues of safety concerning the
blood supply. Blood donations are not routinely screened for West
Nile Virus because there is no quick test to detect this virus.
Despite this, the blood supply undergoes rigorous testing for many
other diseases, including HIV and hepatitis B. Blood donors who
display symptoms of illness are turned away.
James Huges of the CDC reassured the public there is
no evidence that the United States blood supply has been contaminated,
but it is a possibility they have to investigate. He also added,
"If I personally needed a blood transfusion, the last thing
I would be worried about is West Nile virus infection."
Related Links:
Fact Sheets:
Note: Mount Sinai Hospital does not endorse
content of external sites
|
