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Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Murine Corneal Transplantation: A Model to Study the Most Common Form of Solid Organ Transplantation
Published on: November 17, 2014
Is This Organ Donor Safe?: Donor-Derived Infections in Solid Organ Transplantation
1The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 222 Richmond Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA; Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, 401 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Abstract:
Infection is an inevitable complication of solid organ transplantation. Unrecognized infection may be transmitted from a donor and result in disseminated disease in the immunosuppressed host. Recent outbreaks of deceased donor-derived infections resulting in high rates of mortality and severe morbidity have emphasized the need to be cautious in using donors with possible meningoencephalitis. Screening of organ donors for potential transmissible infections is paramount to improving transplantation outcomes.
Insights
Infection transmission from organ donors is a serious risk for transplant recipients. Careful donor screening for infections, especially meningoencephalitis, is crucial to prevent severe outcomes and improve transplant success.
Area of Science:
- Transplantation immunology
- Infectious disease transmission
- Public health
Background:
- Infection is a common and serious complication following solid organ transplantation.
- Unrecognized infections can be transmitted from deceased donors to immunosuppressed recipients.
- Recent outbreaks highlight the risks associated with donors having meningoencephalitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the critical need for caution when considering donors with potential meningoencephalitis.
- To underscore the importance of screening organ donors for transmissible infections.
- To improve outcomes in solid organ transplantation by mitigating infection transmission risks.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent outbreaks of donor-derived infections.
- Analysis of mortality and morbidity associated with transmitted infections.
- Assessment of current screening protocols for organ donors.
Main Results:
- Deceased donor-derived infections have led to high mortality and severe morbidity.
- Donors with possible meningoencephalitis pose a significant transmission risk.
- Effective screening is essential to prevent disseminated disease in transplant recipients.
Conclusions:
- Vigilance is required when evaluating donors with suspected meningoencephalitis.
- Comprehensive screening of organ donors for transmissible infections is paramount.
- Implementing robust screening measures can significantly enhance transplantation outcomes and patient safety.
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