Chikungunya and Mayaro infective viruses in components of blood

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Transfusion Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Arboviruses, including Chikungunya and Mayaro, cause significant public health concerns due to sporadic and epidemic outbreaks.
• High rates of asymptomatic infections and viremia in arbovirus-infected individuals pose a risk of transmission through blood transfusion.
• Blood donors may unknowingly transmit these viruses, highlighting the need for robust screening methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the infectivity and persistence of Chikungunya and Mayaro viruses in blood products.
• To quantify viral load in plaque-forming units per milliliter (UFP/ml) within different blood components.
• To assess the risk of transfusion-transmitted arboviruses.

Main Methods:

• Utilized discarded blood bags, ensuring no compromise to clinical supply.
• Infected blood bags with quantified Chikungunya and Mayaro viruses at levels consistent with viremia.
• Processed infected blood into standard components: red blood cell concentrate, platelet concentrate, and fresh frozen plasma.

Main Results:

• Chikungunya and Mayaro viruses maintained infectivity throughout the processing of blood components.
• Infectious viruses were detected in red blood cell concentrate, platelet concentrate, and fresh frozen plasma after recommended storage periods.
• The findings indicate a potential risk of transmitting Chikungunya and Mayaro viruses via transfusion of contaminated blood products.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates the viability of Chikungunya and Mayaro viruses in blood products, posing a significant transfusion risk.
• There is an urgent need for the development and implementation of sensitive diagnostic tests for these arboviruses in donated blood.
• Implementing effective screening strategies is essential to prevent Chikungunya and Mayaro virus infections through blood transfusions.