[Allografts in otology. Potential risk of prion contamination. Current status of knowledge and legislation]

The potential risk of prion contamination has led the government authorities to stop the use of dura mater allografts of human origin. The aim of this work was to determine the potential risk for implantation of allografts in otology and to review the current reglementation. Although Creutzfeldt-Jakob's disease has not been reported to be transmitted by these allografts and despite the apparently rigorous decontamination methods used by the manufacturers which meet the most severe international recommendations, it is apparently necessary to stop implantation for the time being. This decision has resulted from the lack of a precise directive from the governmental authorities and the uncertainty about prion transmission and the reel effect of inactivation procedures.