Transfusion-transmitted diseases other than AIDS and hepatitis

Area of Science:

• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Transfusion Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Blood transfusions carry inherent risks of transmitting infectious agents.
• While Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and hepatitis are well-known transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs), numerous other pathogens pose a threat.
• The spectrum of TTIs includes Cytomegalovirus (CMV), syphilis, Chagas disease, babesiosis, parvovirus B19, malaria, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), among rarer infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the broad range of diseases transmissible via blood transfusion.
• To emphasize the ongoing challenge of mitigating transfusion-transmitted infections.
• To inform healthcare professionals about the persistent risk of TTIs.

Main Methods:

• Review of known transfusion-transmitted pathogens.
• Analysis of disease transmission risks in blood transfusion settings.
• Discussion of donor screening and laboratory testing protocols.

Main Results:

• Identified major TTIs (AIDS, hepatitis) and a wide array of other infectious agents.
• Highlighted the role of donor centers in risk reduction through screening and testing.
• Confirmed that the risk of disease transmission is an ever-present consideration in transfusion medicine.

Conclusions:

• The risk of transfusion-transmitted infections extends beyond common viral agents to include a diverse range of bacterial, parasitic, and viral pathogens.
• Effective donor screening and rigorous laboratory testing are essential strategies for minimizing TTI risks.
• Physicians must maintain vigilance regarding the potential for disease transmission with every blood transfusion administered.