Hepatitis C virus: another agent transmitted by transplanted organs

Article Abstract:

An article in the August 15, 1991 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine reports that non-A, non-B hepatitis developed in 48 percent of 29 recipients of organs from 13 donors who tested positive for antibodies against hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV). In 12 cases, it could be demonstrated that the recipients had developed hepatitis as a result of infection with HCV. This is an important issue, since the cause of post-transplantation hepatitis cannot be identified in many cases. A comparison is drawn between infection by HCV and by cytomegalovirus (CMV), another agent that can cause serious infection after transplantation. Identification of the infected tissues or organs in both cases is difficult; it appears that CMV is transmitted less often via donated blood than by donated organs. Even with new diagnostic methods, it is possible to fail to diagnose some chronically infected people. Viruses or microbes that can be transmitted by organ transplantation include CMV, herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis D, human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1, and toxoplasma. Potential donors can be tested for HIV, CMV, and HCV. At present, the New England Organ Bank recommends testing donors for anti-HCV and using organs from people who test positive if life-saving transplantation is needed (heart, lung, or liver), with the recipient's consent. Transplantation of organs that may not be immediately needed for the preservation of life (kidney or pancreas) from positive donors should not be performed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Diseases, Organ donors, Tissue donors, Hepatitis C virus, editorial

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An epidemic of enterovirus 71 infection in Taiwan

Article Abstract:

An outbreak of enterovirus 71 infection in Taiwan in 1998 killed 78 people and made over 120,000 people sick. Normally, this virus can cause blisters on the hands, feet and mouth, but is usually not life-threatening. In the Taiwan outbreak, 405 people had severe disease, and most were five years old or younger. Ninety-one percent of the deaths were children five years old or younger. Eighty-three percent of the patients who died had fluid in their lungs or blood in their lungs. Ninety-two percent had been infected with enterovirus 71.

Statistical Data Included, Taiwan, Enterovirus diseases, Enterovirus infections

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Human herpesvirus 8 - let the transplantation physician beware

Article Abstract:

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) can be added to the list of microorganisms that can be transmitted in an organ transplant. This virus has been implicated as a possible cause of Kaposi's sarcoma. A 1998 study confirmed transmission of the virus in several people who received a kidney transplant. This is not that surprising because the herpesviruses can remain in tissues indefinately. Many of the donors tested positive for HHV-8. It is not clear if all organ donors should be tested for HHV-8, since it is not that common.

Editorial, Human herpesvirus 8

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