Donor-derived infections-Insights from Singapore, Japan, and Thailand

Solid organ transplantation (SOT) has expanded significantly in Asia over past few decades. Donor-derived infections (DDIs) remain a significant concern as they may adversely impact transplant outcomes. We aim to review the existing regulatory frameworks, screening protocols, and management practices for DDIs in Asia.

We reached out to transplant infectious diseases experts in Asia to provide standardized data on annual SOT numbers, incidence of DDIs, regulatory frameworks, donor and recipient screening protocols, and DDI surveillance measures. We present the data from Singapore, Japan, and Thailand.

Donor screening for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis is mandatory in all countries. Additionally, Japan screens for HTLV-1 antibody due to its endemicity. We also reviewed the protocols for screening and prevention of endemic infections in Asia. Singapore is the only country implementing universal screening for all donors for dengue, Zika, and chikungunya via blood and urine RT-PCR. Strongyloidiasis screening is not routinely done, although some transplant centers empirically give ivermectin prophylaxis to organ recipients. Tuberculosis screening with a donor questionnaire and chest radiograph is common for deceased donors, and some centers do Interferon Gamma Release Assay test for living donors. We also found a significant gap in the surveillance and reporting of potential DDIs in Asia and the overall incidence of DDIs in Asia is unknown and likely underreported.

The experiences of Singapore, Japan, and Thailand offer valuable insights into current practices and the unmet needs regarding a DDI registry and call for coordinated efforts to address this critical issue in the region.