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Japanese Encephalitis Virus Transmitted Via Blood Transfusion, Hong Kong, China
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|October 19, 2017
Summary
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) can spread through blood donations from asymptomatic individuals. This study highlights the risk of transfusion-transmitted JEV infection in immunocompromised patients.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a significant cause of viral encephalitis in endemic regions.
- Transmission is typically through mosquito bites, and transfusion transmission has not been previously documented.
Observation:
- Two immunocompromised patients received blood products from an asymptomatic donor with detectable JEV RNA.
- One recipient developed severe encephalitis after receiving packed red blood cells.
- The second recipient, a leukemia patient, remained asymptomatic but confirmed JEV infection via seroconversion.
Findings:
- This study provides the first evidence of transfusion-transmitted JEV infection.
- JEV RNA was detected in multiple biological samples from the severely affected recipient.
- Asymptomatic infection is possible in recipients of JEV-contaminated blood products.
Implications:
- JEV poses a potential risk for transfusion-transmitted infections, particularly in endemic areas.
- Implementing targeted donor screening for JEV is crucial.
- Pathogen reduction technologies may help prevent transfusion-associated JEV transmission.