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Updated: May 11, 2026
Murine Corneal Transplantation: A Model to Study the Most Common Form of Solid Organ Transplantation
Published on: November 17, 2014
Eye banking and corneal transplantation communicable adverse incidents: current status and project NOTIFY
Paul J Dubord1, G Dewey Evans, Marian S Macsai
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada. paul@pjdubord.com
Purpose:
Evidence of the transmission of disease via donor ocular tissue has been demonstrated for adenocarcinoma, rabies, hepatitis B virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and a variety of bacterial and fungal infections.
Methods:
Although there is no evidence to date of disease transmission for HIV infection, syphilis, hepatitis C, hepatitis A, tuberculosis, HTLV-1 and -2 infection, active leprosy, active typhoid, smallpox, and active malaria, these entities remain contraindications for transplantation for all eye banks nationally and internationally. The potential sources of contamination include infected donors, during the process of removing tissue from cadaveric donors, the processing environment, and contaminated supplies and reagents used during processing. The transmissions of Herpes simplex virus and HSV via corneal graft have been shown to be responsible for primary graft failure. HSV-1 may also be an important cause of PFG.
Results:
The long latency period of some diseases, the emergence of new infectious disease, and the reemergence of others emphasize the need for long-term record maintenance and effective tracing capabilities.
Conclusions:
The standardization of definitions for adverse events and reactions will be necessary to support the prevention and transmission of disease. International classification of a unique identification system for donors will be increasingly important for vigilance and traceability in cross-national exportation of human cells, tissues, and cellular- and tissue-based products. Opportunities for continuous improvement exist as does the need for constant vigilance and surveillance.
Insights
Donor ocular tissue can transmit serious infections like rabies and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Vigilance and standardized identification are crucial for preventing disease transmission in eye banking and transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Transplantation Immunology
Background:
- Donor ocular tissue has been implicated in the transmission of various serious diseases, including viral, bacterial, and fungal infections.
- Established contraindications for eye donation exist for certain infectious diseases, despite a lack of direct evidence of transmission.
- Potential contamination sources range from the donor to the processing environment and supplies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review documented and potential disease transmission risks associated with donor ocular tissue.
- To highlight the importance of ongoing surveillance and improved traceability in eye banking.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature and eye bank screening protocols.
- Analysis of documented cases of disease transmission via ocular grafts.
- Discussion of potential contamination pathways and risk mitigation strategies.
Main Results:
- Evidence confirms transmission of adenocarcinoma, rabies, hepatitis B virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and other infections via ocular tissue.
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) transmission through corneal grafts is a known cause of primary graft failure.
- Long disease latency periods and emerging infections necessitate robust record maintenance and tracing.
Conclusions:
- Standardized definitions for adverse events are essential for disease prevention.
- A unique international donor identification system is critical for global traceability of human cells and tissues.
- Continuous improvement, constant vigilance, and surveillance are vital for safe eye banking practices.
