[Molecular diagnosis of post-transfusion GVHD using Y-chromosome specific sequences]

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is one of the most serious complications of blood transfusion. Thus, it is important to make a correct diagnosis of post-transfusion GVHD as soon as possible in its onset. Presence of Y-chromosome positive donor lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of female GVHD patients is one of the direct evidences of lymphocyte chimerism, as well as shown by HLA chimerism. We have reported a rapid diagnosis technique of post-transfusion GVHD by polymerase chain reactions directed against Y-chromosome specific SRY gene. (Hayakawa S, et al: Transfusion. 1993, 33, 413-417). We can detect single male cell in 10,000 female cells by SRY directed nested PCR. Though this method is applicable only for the female GVHD cases involved with Y-chromosome positive male lymphocytes, it is possible to detect not only chimeric peripheral lymphocytes but also skin infiltrating donor lymphocytes.