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Bitten by a bug or a bag? Transfusion-transmitted dengue: a rare complication in the bleeding surgical patient
Han Boon Oh1, Vaishnavi Muthu1, Zubin J Daruwalla2
1University Surgical Cluster, Singapore.
Background:
Blood-borne infections remain a risk of blood transfusions. While routine screening of donated blood products has greatly reduced the risk of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C transmission, arboviruses such as dengue, chikungunya, and the West Nile virus remain significant risks especially during outbreaks.
Case Report:
We report a rare case of dengue documented to be acquired through a blood transfusion, which resulted in severe thrombocytopenia prolonging admission in hospital in a neurosurgical patient.
Results:
The donor of one of the units of red blood cells presented with dengue fever 2 days after donating. Sanger sequencing confirmed DENV-2 (dengue virus, Serotype 2) in both the donor and the patient samples and showed 100% nucleotide sequence identity between the two viruses, confirming transfusion-transmitted dengue infection.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the importance of arboviral screening of donor blood, especially for populations in endemic areas during outbreaks.
Insights
Transfusion-transmitted dengue infection is a rare but serious risk, particularly during outbreaks. This case confirms dengue virus transmission via blood transfusion, emphasizing the need for donor screening.
Area of Science:
- Medical Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Blood transfusions carry a risk of blood-borne infections.
- While screening reduces HIV, HBV, and HCV transmission, arboviruses like dengue pose a significant threat during outbreaks.
Observation:
- A neurosurgical patient developed severe thrombocytopenia following a blood transfusion.
- The blood donor presented with dengue fever shortly after donation.
Findings:
- Dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2) was confirmed in both patient and donor blood samples.
- 100% nucleotide sequence identity confirmed transfusion-transmitted dengue infection.
Implications:
- Highlights the risk of transfusion-transmitted arboviruses, specifically dengue.
- Underscores the importance of arboviral screening in donor blood, especially in endemic areas during outbreaks.
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