Persistence of dengue genome in a remotely infected patient

Background Dengue virus infection is an intriguing illness. It is traditionally thought of as a self-limited and nonpersistent disease. Objectives We report a case with persistent dengue virus genome detectable in hematopoietic cells of a person with remote infection. Methods A patient with multiple myeloma in remission was prepared for peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation. Plasma and G-CSF-stimulated, mobilized PBSCs were collected. Dengue-specific reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed in both pre- and post-stimulated blood specimens. Anti-dengue antibodies by ELISA and by neutralization assay were measured before and after the stem cell mobilization. Results The viral genome was detected only in the PBSC of the post-G-CSF-stimulated specimens. Anti-dengue antibodies were negative and positive, by ELISA and neutralization assays, respectively, both before and after stem cell mobilization. Conclusion Our findings reveal a persistent infection. Whether and how this strain may interact with subsequent serotype(s) remains to be elucidated.