Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
08:56
Study of Experimental Organ Donation Models for Lung Transplantation
Published on: March 15, 2024
Pandemic influenza A/H1N1 and organ donation
R Lattes1, N Jacob, J de la Fuente
1Department of Transplantation, Infectious Disease Section, Instituto de Nefrología, Cabello, Buenos Aires, Argentina. robertalattes@datamarkets.com.ar
Summary
Kidneys from donors with influenza A/H1N1 can be safely transplanted. Two kidney recipients received organs from a treated donor; neither developed flu, showing transplantation is possible.
Area of Science:
- Transplant Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Novel influenza A/H1N1 pandemic raised concerns about organ donor safety.
- Potential transmission via organ transplantation was speculative.
- Transplant programs could be impacted if organs from infected donors were excluded.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety of using kidneys from a deceased donor with confirmed novel influenza A/H1N1.
- To assess the outcomes of kidney transplant recipients receiving organs from such a donor.
Main Methods:
- Case report of 2 kidney transplant recipients from a single deceased donor.
- Donor had confirmed novel influenza A/H1N1 and received antiviral treatment.
- Recipients transplanted at different centers with varied management protocols.
Main Results:
- Neither kidney transplant recipient developed influenza syndrome post-transplantation.
- Both recipients experienced uneventful recovery and graft function.
- Donor infection diagnosis was confirmed post-engraftment.
Conclusions:
- Kidneys from donors treated for novel influenza A/H1N1 may be safely used for transplantation.
- Transplantation outcomes appear favorable despite donor's influenza A/H1N1 status.
- Further research could support revised organ donation guidelines during influenza pandemics.
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