The virology, epidemiology, and clinical impact of West Nile virus: a decade of advancements in research since its introduction into the Western Hemisphere

Epidemiol Infect. 2011 Jun;139(6):807-17. doi: 10.1017/S0950268811000185. Epub 2011 Feb 23.

Abstract

West Nile virus (WNV) is now endemic in the USA. After the widespread surge of virus activity across the USA, research has flourished, and our knowledge base has significantly expanded over the past 10 years since WNV was first recognized in New York City. This article provides a review of the virology of WNV, history, epidemiology, clinical features, pathology of infection, the innate and adaptive immune response, host risk factors for developing severe disease, clinical sequelae following severe disease, chronic infection, and the future of prevention.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Culicidae / virology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Humoral / immunology
  • Risk Factors
  • United States / epidemiology
  • West Nile Fever / diagnosis
  • West Nile Fever / epidemiology
  • West Nile Fever / immunology
  • West Nile Fever / pathology
  • West Nile Fever / prevention & control
  • West Nile Fever / virology*
  • West Nile Virus Vaccines / therapeutic use
  • West Nile virus* / physiology

Substances

  • West Nile Virus Vaccines