Long-term sequelae of West Nile virus-related illness: a systematic review

Abstract

We systematically reviewed the clinical outlook of West Nile virus (WNV)-related illness in North America and western Europe. As of March, 2015, more than 45 000 cases of WNV-related illness have been reported in North America. Unlike acute morbidity and mortality, the long-term physical, cognitive, and functional sequelae associated with WNV-related illness are not well characterised. An understanding of WNV-related sequelae and their prognostic factors can support physicians with early diagnosis and tertiary prevention efforts. We searched Ovid Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Environment Complete for studies published between 1999 and 2015. We included 67 studies in our Review. Although muscle weakness, memory loss, and difficulties with activities of daily living were among the most common physical, cognitive, and functional sequelae, respectively, some population groups were reported to be at greater risk of severe neurological disease or death (ie, older men with underlying illnesses such as cardiovascular disease or cancer). A high level of heterogeneity was reported among studies included in this Review, suggesting a need for consistent methods for collecting data and reporting findings. Further, more than half of the studies reporting sequelae relied exclusively on subjective assessment and only two studies used matched control groups. Therefore, opportunities exist for more robust primary studies in future research.