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[Emerging infectious diseases in the context of blood safety]
Ryszard Pogłód1, Aleksandra Rosiek1, Magdalena Łętowska1
1Instytut Hematologii i Transfuzjologii, Dyrektor: prof. dr hab n.med. Krzysztof Warzocha, Warszawa, Polska.
Abstract:
The risk of transfusion-related infectious diseases, the markers for which are routinely tested, is extremely low. Recently, however, blood transfusion service faces the challenge from emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), mainly zoonotic origin. Pathogens are microorganisms, mostly viruses, that usually require vectors for their transmission to humans. The relation of some EIDs to transfusion has been proved, in other cases it is considered likely. The paper presents views on EIDs etiology and spread and explains the epidemiologic basic terminology. It describes the principles and methods of EIDs risk assessment as well as prioritization of EIDs with regard to transfusion risk. It outlines the principles of international cooperation and rapid response to newly emerging threats. More attention is devoted to such diseases as West Nile fever, malaria, dengue and chikungunya which are recently a real epidemiological threat. Preventive measures to reduce the threat of EIDs transmission have also been discussed as well as their impact on the safety and supply of blood and blood components.
Insights
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) pose a growing threat to blood transfusion safety. This paper outlines risk assessment and preventive strategies for zoonotic EIDs, enhancing blood supply security.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Infectious Diseases Epidemiology
- Public Health
Context:
- While routine screening minimizes transfusion-related infectious disease risks, emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), often zoonotic, present new challenges.
- The transmission of certain EIDs via blood transfusion is confirmed or suspected, necessitating updated safety protocols.
- Understanding EID etiology, spread, and epidemiologic terminology is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose:
- To present an overview of EID etiology and spread relevant to transfusion medicine.
- To describe principles and methods for assessing and prioritizing transfusion-related EID risks.
- To outline strategies for international cooperation and rapid response to emerging infectious threats.
Summary:
- This review discusses the risk assessment and management of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) in blood transfusion services.
- It covers EID epidemiology, risk assessment methodologies, and prioritization strategies for transfusion threats.
- Specific focus is given to diseases like West Nile fever, malaria, dengue, and chikungunya, with an emphasis on preventive measures.
Impact:
- Provides a framework for evaluating and mitigating the risk of EID transmission through blood transfusions.
- Informs the development of effective preventive measures to ensure blood safety and supply.
- Highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing global transfusion-related infectious disease threats.
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