Replication and compartmentalization of Dobrava-Belgrade virus in the central nervous system.
Julia Melchert, Julia Herzig-Nichtweiss, Jenny Meinhardt et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A heart-transplant recipient presented with a fatal neurologic disease. High-throughput sequencing revealed the presence of Dobrava-Belgrade virus in both central nervous system and peripheral specimens. Genomic analysis indicated distinct viral populations in different compartments, suggesting a specific tropism for the CNS. The case emphasizes the importance of advanced diagnostic techniques in immunocompromised patients.
What made this case unusual
The identification of distinct viral populations in the central nervous system compared to peripheral specimens indicates a unique compartmentalization and tropism of the Dobrava-Belgrade virus.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider the potential for atypical viral infections in immunosuppressed patients and the utility of high-throughput sequencing for accurate diagnosis.
Why it matters
This case illustrates the need for heightened awareness of rare viral infections in transplant recipients, which can present with unusual neurologic symptoms.