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The risk of transmitting prion disease by blood or plasma products

Richard Knight1

  • 1UK National CJD Surveillance Unit, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Transfusion and Apheresis Science : Official Journal of the World Apheresis Association : Official Journal of the European Society for Haemapheresis
|November 13, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE) and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) can be transmitted through blood transfusions. Further research and prion filtration are needed to address remaining uncertainties in preventing transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Experimental studies confirm blood infectivity for bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE) and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD).
  • Human transmission of vCJD has occurred through blood transfusions (non-leukocyte-reduced red cells) and potentially factor VIII concentrates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence for bloodborne transmission of BSE and vCJD.
  • To discuss current precautionary measures and identify areas of uncertainty.
  • To recommend further strategies for preventing prion disease transmission.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of experimental studies and reported transmission cases.
  • Analysis of existing safety measures in blood product handling.
  • Discussion of potential risks and future mitigation strategies.

Main Results:

  • Blood infectivity is established for BSE and vCJD.
  • Documented human-to-human transmission via blood products highlights transfusion risks.
  • Uncertainties persist regarding the prevalence of BSE infection in the human population.

Conclusions:

  • Bloodborne transmission of vCJD is a proven risk.
  • Current measures may not fully eliminate transmission risk.
  • Prion filtration and further surveillance are crucial for enhanced safety.

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