Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis - LCM

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection is prevalent among mice, but not a commonly diagnosed cause of illness in immunocompetent patients.

Epidemiology

• Incidence – <5% seropositivity in U.S. adults
• Transmission
  • Rodents are the primarily reservoir
  • Transmission to humans
    • Aerosolization of excreta and secreta of the common house mouse, pet hamster and pet rats
    • Recent reports of solid organ transplant transmission

Organism

• RNA virus in the Arenavirus family

Clinical Presentation

• Symptoms develop 5-10 days after exposure
  • Infection usually presents as an acute influenza-like illness
    • Most patients develop fevers of 101-104°F, with chills and muscle rigidity
  • Other symptoms may include malaise, retro-orbital headache, photophobia, weakness, anorexia, nausea, light-headedness and sore throat
• Symptoms usually improve within 5 days to 3 weeks; patients may suffer relapse with meningeal symptoms
• Suspect in patients with marked leukopenia and thrombocytopenia on presentation
• Associated conditions include orchitis, aseptic meningitis, transient alopecia and maculopapular rash
• Congenital infections include hydrocephalus and chorioretinitis (TORCH-negative hydrocephalus)

Diagnosis

• Laboratory testing
  • Antibody testing

Treatment

• Treatment is symptomatic

Indications for Ordering

• Tests generally appear in the order most useful for common clinical situations
• Click on number for test-specific information in the ARUP Laboratory Test Directory