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[HIV infection caused by cold preserved bone transplants]
H E Schratt1, G Regel, B Kiesewetter
1Unfallchirurgische Klinik, Medizinische Hochschule, Hannover.
Der Unfallchirurg
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Four patients contracted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through bone allografts from a single infected donor. This highlights the risk of HIV transmission via tissue transplantation when screening methods were limited.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Bone allografts are used in surgical reconstructions.
- Early HIV screening methods were not widely available in 1984.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) poses a significant public health risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report cases of HIV transmission through bone allografts.
- To discuss the implications of HIV transmission in tissue transplantation.
- To highlight the importance of donor screening in preventing infectious disease transmission.
Main Methods:
- Case study analysis of four HIV-positive recipients.
- Review of transplantation records from November 1984 to January 1985.
- Retrospective HIV antibody testing of donor serum.
Main Results:
- Four out of twelve recipients of bone allografts from a single donor became HIV-positive.
- The donor tested positive for HIV antibodies.
- HIV transmission occurred despite the absence of HIV-antibody kits at the time of transplantation.
Conclusions:
- Bone allografts can transmit HIV.
- The study underscores the critical need for rigorous donor screening protocols.
- Advances in HIV testing are crucial for ensuring transplant safety.