Persistent Infection with West Nile Virus Years after Initial Infection
Kristy Murray,1 Christopher Walker,1 Emily Herrington,1
Jessica A. Lewis,2 Joseph McCormick,1 David W. C. Beasley,2
Robert B. Tesh,2 and Susan Fisher-Hoch1
The Journal of Infectious Diseases 2010; 201:2–4
West Nile virus (WNV) RNA was demonstrated in 5 (20%) of 25 urine samples collected from convalescent patients 573–2452 days (1.6–6.7 years) after WNV infection. Four of the 5 amplicons sequenced showed 199% homology to the WNV NY99 strain. These findings show that individuals with chronic symptoms after WNV infection may have persistent
renal infection over several years.
"Of the 5 positive patients, 4 reported chronic symptoms, including weakness, fatigue, memory loss, and ataxia. All had
a clinical presentation of encephalitis, were male, and had a history of hypertension. One patient developed kidney failure
following his illness. Three patients were 16 years past their initial infection."
a clinical presentation of encephalitis, were male, and had a history of hypertension. One patient developed kidney failure
following his illness. Three patients were 16 years past their initial infection."
