Xenotransplant-associated infections

Xenotransplantation is considered increasingly as a solution to the current shortage of human organs for allotransplantation. In addition, it is being investigated as a treatment for a number of other diseases such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus, and acquired immunodeficiency disease. The potential risk of novel zoonotic infections is a concern associated with these procedures. Accordingly, the role of animal microbial agents must be critically examined. This review examines the concerns and proposed mechanisms for xenogeneic infections and details what is known and what still needs to be learned as the field of xenotransplantation progresses. Emphasis is placed on microbial agents of baboons and swine because they are currently the most common species considered as donor sources for xenotransplantation.