Hamster Causes Anatomical Gift Tragedy

A pet hamster is the likely cause of an organ donor being exposed to a rodent virus (LCMV) which contaminated her organs.  So far, three donees have died.  A fourth donee appears likely to survive.

The virus usually has a mild effect on humans but because transplant recipients are given anti-rejection drugs, the virus was able to develop rapidly.  Organs are not normally screened for LCMV.

For more details, see Three organ transplant recipients die from virus related to rodents, USA Today, March 23, 2005.