A case of coronavirus disease 2019-infected liver transplant donor

Area of Science:

• * Infectious Diseases
• * Transplantation Immunology
• * Hepatology

Background:

• * The global spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has raised concerns regarding potential donor-derived transmissions of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
• * Organ transplantation, particularly liver transplantation, involves close contact between donor and recipient, necessitating careful screening for infectious agents.

Observation:

• * A case report details an ABO-incompatible living donor liver transplantation where the donor was unknowingly infected with COVID-19 during the donation procedure.
• * The donor was identified as being in the recovery phase of a COVID-19 infection at the time of organ procurement.

Findings:

• * Despite the donor's active COVID-19 infection during donation, no donor-derived transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to the liver transplant recipient was detected.
• * The recipient's clinical course and diagnostic tests did not indicate SARS-CoV-2 infection originating from the transplanted liver.

Implications:

• * This case suggests that ABO-incompatible living donor liver transplantation may be feasible even with a donor in the recovery phase of COVID-19, provided careful monitoring.
• * Further research is warranted to establish definitive guidelines for infectious disease screening in organ donors, especially concerning novel viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
• * The findings contribute to understanding the risks and safety protocols for organ transplantation in the context of ongoing global pandemics.