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Metagenomics in pooled plasma, with identification of potential emerging infectious pathogens
Min Xu1, Yashan Yang1, Ya Zhou1
1Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and the Sichuan Blood Safety and Blood Substitute International Science and Technology Cooperation Base, Chengdu, China.
Background:
Many emerging infectious pathogens are well known for existing in healthy blood donors and could be transmitted via blood transfusion or plasma derivatives usage. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover the pathogens in qualified blood donation to avoid potential threats to blood safety.
Study Design And Methods:
The objective of this study was to investigate the microbiome that existed in pooled plasma from different manufacturers in Chengdu and Guiyang. Random polymerase chain reaction, large-scale clone sequencing, and bioinformatics were used to investigate the metagenomics and microbiome structure of pooled plasma. Among detected microbiomes, potential pathogens were subsequently identified.
Result:
After host DNA cleaning, 551 clones were classified as bacteria; 88 clones were classified as viruses, and four clones were considered to be parasites, respectively. Thirteen kinds of bacteria and two kinds of parasites that might potentially threaten blood safety were identified along with six kinds of nonpathogenic viruses. The infection status of one identified pathogen Coxiella burnetii was evaluated in 1638 plasma samples. The reactive rate of immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 was 1.10% (18/1638), the reactive rate of IgG2 was 0.85% (14/1638), and the reactive rate of IgM was 0.98% (16/1638).
Conclusion:
Some pathogens that were already considered as threats to blood safety were discovered in those pooled plasma such as C. burnetii, Orientia tsutsugamushi, and Plasmodium sp. As a result, we should initiate some specific tests in the endemic area on plasma donors to enhance the blood safety in China.
Insights
Emerging infectious pathogens were found in pooled plasma, highlighting the need for enhanced blood safety measures. Specific testing for plasma donors in endemic areas is recommended to mitigate transfusion-transmitted infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Emerging infectious pathogens can reside in healthy blood donors.
- Transmission via blood transfusion poses a significant risk to blood safety.
- Discovering these pathogens in donated blood is crucial for preventing threats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microbiome in pooled plasma from different manufacturers.
- To identify potential pathogens within plasma samples.
- To assess the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections.
Main Methods:
- Random polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and large-scale clone sequencing.
- Bioinformatics analysis for metagenomics and microbiome structure.
- Identification of potential pathogens and evaluation of infection status.
Main Results:
- Bacteria, viruses, and parasites were detected in pooled plasma samples.
- Thirteen bacterial species and two parasite species identified pose potential threats.
- Coxiella burnetii infection showed reactive rates of 1.10% (IgG1), 0.85% (IgG2), and 0.98% (IgM).
Conclusions:
- Pathogens like Coxiella burnetii, Orientia tsutsugamushi, and Plasmodium sp. were found in pooled plasma.
- Enhanced blood safety requires specific tests for plasma donors in endemic regions.
- Proactive screening is essential to prevent transfusion-transmitted infections in China.
