The scientists emphasize that the direct link between the virus and death has not yet been established. However, previous research on monkeys shows that this is indeed possible. The presence of this specific virus in a pig heart transplant can lead to a life-threatening infection in baboons.
This specific pig virus is normally easily suppressed by a pig’s immune system, but of course this is no longer present after the transplant. At the same time, the recipient’s immune system is consciously suppressed. Doctors want to prevent the new organ from being rejected. This makes the patient extra vulnerable to infections.
Bennett was very ill when he received the heart transplant, but initially appeared to be recovering well. Until one morning, he developed symptoms similar to an infection. The doctors gave him antibiotics and antivirals to no avail. The pig’s heart began to swell, fill with fluid, and eventually stopped beating.
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