Story perspectives

NYU Performs First HIV-Positive Lung-Liver Transplant

6/23/2026

28 5

Summary

Story summary

Bertrand Nelson, 56, received a lung-liver transplant from an HIV-positive donor at NYU Langone Health, becoming the first HIV-positive recipient of such lungs.
Nelson’s lung failure stemmed from sarcoidosis reactivated by Legionnaire’s disease, prompting his mother to care for him at home.
The HIV Organ Policy Equity Act of 2013, expanded under the Biden administration, allows HIV-positive donor organ transplants, which doctors say could speed access for HIV patients.

1 of 1

Story summary

Bertrand Nelson, 56, received a lung-liver transplant from an HIV-positive donor at NYU Langone Health, becoming the first HIV-positive recipient of such lungs.
Nelson’s lung failure stemmed from sarcoidosis reactivated by Legionnaire’s disease, prompting his mother to care for him at home.
The HIV Organ Policy Equity Act of 2013, expanded under the Biden administration, allows HIV-positive donor organ transplants, which doctors say could speed access for HIV patients.