West nile virus RNA not detected in urine of 40 people tested 6 years after acute West Nile virus disease

J Infect Dis. 2011 Feb 1;203(3):344-7. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiq057. Epub 2010 Dec 15.

Abstract

West Nile virus (WNV) causes an acute infection that is usually cleared by an effective immune response after several days of viremia. However, a recent study detected WNV RNA in the urine of 5 of 25 persons (20%) tested several years after their initial acute WNV disease. We evaluated an established cohort of 40 persons >6 years after initial infection with WNV. Urine collected from all participants tested negative for WNV RNA by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and transcription-mediated amplification. Prospective studies are needed to determine if and for how long WNV persists in urine following WNV disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • RNA, Viral / urine*
  • West Nile Fever / urine*
  • West Nile Fever / virology*
  • West Nile virus / genetics*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • RNA, Viral