Transfusion transmitted infections in solid organ transplantation.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Transplantation Medicine
• Public Health Surveillance

Background:

• Improved screening has reduced transfusion-transmitted infections, but risks persist for transplant recipients.
• Organ transplant recipients, particularly those with multiple transfusions, are vulnerable to transfusion-transmitted infections.
• Existing surveillance systems for transfusion-transmitted infections and transplant-associated infections are separate and lack inter-communication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review transfusion-transmitted infections reported in organ transplant recipients.
• To analyze the evolution of transfusion-transmitted pathogens of concern in this population.
• To identify challenges in assessing transfusion-transmitted infection risk due to current reporting systems.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 23 past reports on transfusion-transmitted infections in organ recipients.
• Analysis of historical trends and specific pathogens identified in transfusion-transmitted infections.
• Evaluation of current public health reporting structures for transfusion and transplant-related infections.

Main Results:

• Cytomegalovirus was a primary concern in the 1980s, with West Nile virus emerging as a more recent focus.
• Review of 23 cases highlights the occurrence of transfusion-transmitted infections in organ transplant recipients.
• Disparities and lack of integration between transfusion and transplant infection reporting systems create significant challenges.

Conclusions:

• Transfusion-transmitted infections remain a critical consideration for organ transplant recipients.
• The fragmented nature of current reporting systems impedes comprehensive risk assessment and public health response.
• Enhanced communication and integration of surveillance data are necessary to mitigate transfusion-transmitted infection risks in transplant recipients.