Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Pan Afr Med J 2018 3;31:81. Epub 2018 Oct 3.

Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 13400 E, Shea Blvd Scottsdale, 85259 AZ, USA.

Introduction: Blood-borne pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C (HBV and HCV) viruses and remain a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency and clinical implications of HIV, HBV, HCV and markers in blood donors in a rural area of Southeast Gabon (Koula-Moutou) from 2012 to 2017.

Methods: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HIV, anti-HCV and anti- antibodies were screened using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Read More

EBioMedicine 2019 Apr 17. Epub 2019 Apr 17.

Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002, USA. Electronic address:

Background: Accurate laboratory diagnosis of HIV is essential to reduce the risk of HIV-positive individuals transmitting HIV-1 infection. The goal of this study was to identify and assess a panel of host derived plasma miRNAs that could to serve as a prognostic and predictive biomarker to detect early/acute HIV-1 infection.

Methods: A total of 372 microRNAs were analyzed in nine plasma samples from HIV-1 infected individuals in the early phase of infection and three healthy controls using the miRNA PCR-array. Read More

Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2019 Apr 4. Epub 2019 Apr 4.

Viro-immunology Research Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases 8632, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. Electronic address:

Solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients receive immunosuppressive therapy to avoid rejection of the transplanted organ. Immunosuppressive therapy increases the risk of infections. However, no existing marker reliably reveals the status of the immune function in SOT recipients. Read More

Vox Sang 2019 Apr 11. Epub 2019 Apr 11.

Department of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan.

Background And Objective: Human T-cell lymphotropic viruses (HTLV) 1 and 2 are endemic in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), transfusion-transmissible and causally linked to various severe diseases. However, even in SSA countries with moderate to high endemicity, routine blood donor screening for HTLV is rarely, if ever, performed. Information on seroprevalence is limited. Read More

Malar J 2019 Apr 2;18(1):116. Epub 2019 Apr 2.

Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA.

Background: Malaria remains a global public health problem responsible for 445,000 deaths in 2016. While microscopy remains the mainstay of malaria diagnosis, highly sensitive molecular methods for detection of low-grade sub-microscopic infections are needed for surveillance studies and identifying asymptomatic reservoirs of malaria transmission.

Methods: The Plasmodium falciparum genome sequence was analysed to identify high copy number genes that improve P. Read More

Transfus Med Rev 2019 Jan 25. Epub 2019 Jan 25.

Office of Blood, Organ, and Other Tissue Safety, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) can be severe and result in death. Transfusion-transmitted viral pathogen transmission has been substantially reduced, whereas sepsis due to bacterial contamination of platelets and transfusion-transmitted babesiosis may occur more frequently. Quantifying the burden of TTI is important to develop targeted interventions. Read More

Transfusion 2019 Mar 28. Epub 2019 Mar 28.

Queen Mary Hospital and University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.

Background: Leukoreduction (LR) of platelet concentrate (PC) has evolved as the standard to mitigate risks of alloimmunization, clinical refractoriness, acute transfusion reactions (ATRs), and cytomegalovirus infection, but does not prevent transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD). Amotosalen-ultraviolet A pathogen reduction (A-PR) of PC reduces risk of transfusion-transmitted infection and TA-GVHD. In vitro data indicate that A-PR effectively inactivates WBCs and infectious pathogens. Read More

Antiviral Res 2019 Mar 21. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

Laboratory of Vector Control Research, Environment and Health Unit, Institut Pasteur de la Guadeloupe, Guadeloupe.

The GloPID-R (Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness) Chikungunya (CHIKV), O'nyong-nyong (ONNV) and Mayaro virus (MAYV) Working Group is investigating the natural history, epidemiology and medical management of infection by these viruses, to identify knowledge gaps and to propose recommendations for direct future investigations and rectification measures. Here, we present the first report dedicated to diagnostic aspects of CHIKV, ONNV and MAYV. Regarding diagnosis of the disease at the acute phase, molecular assays previously described for the three viruses require further evaluation, standardized protocols and the availability of international standards representing the genetic diversity of the viruses. Read More

Transfusion 2019 Mar 18. Epub 2019 Mar 18.

Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Transfusion Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.

For more than 50 years there has been an ongoing effort to combat transfusion-transmitted infections and provide patients with the safest possible blood. This initiative has driven much of the research within the transfusion community. Initial methods included screening donors for travel histories to banned areas and for high-risk behaviors, but pathogen-specific assays performed at the collection and manufacturing sites also have become key factors in assuring blood safety. Read More

Cureus 2018 Dec 28;10(12):e3787. Epub 2018 Dec 28.

Immunology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, PAK.

Introduction The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all blood transfusion services must screen donated blood for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) one and two, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis. A mandatory screening for malaria is also warranted in malaria endemic areas. Our study aimed at analyzing the prevalence and different diagnostic methods of screening transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) in replacement and voluntary, non-remunerated donors in the blood bank of a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan. Read More

Blood Transfus 2019 Mar 6;17(2):94-102. Epub 2019 Feb 6.

Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America.

Background: In non-endemic countries, malaria risk is addressed by selectively testing or deferring at-risk donors. These policy decisions were made using a variety of decision-making frameworks prior to the development of the Alliance of Blood Operators Risk Based Decision-Making Framework. It is unclear whether the range of items assessed in the decision-making process would be increased if the Framework were used. Read More

Vox Sang 2019 Mar 11. Epub 2019 Mar 11.

Magen David Adom National Blood Services, Ramat Gan, Israel.

Background: In June 2017, Israel lifted the ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men (MSM) and accepts donations if 12 months have passed since the last sexual contact. Recently, the National Blood Services suggested a novel approach that involves acceptance of MSM blood donations without deferral, keeping solely the frozen plasma in quarantine and releasing it for transfusion if a subsequent donation, at least 4 months later, is found negative for transfusion-transmitted agents. In this study, we examined the attitudes and perceptions of MSM to the new Frozen Plasma Quarantine Policy (FPQP). Read More

J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2019 Feb 22. Epub 2019 Feb 22.

Cellular and Functional Biology and Biomolecules Engineering Group, School of Science, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a platelet concentrate contained in a small volume of plasma, has become a promising option in the last decade to treat different diseases related to the skin due to its high concentration of growth factors. When it is of autologous origin, it decreases the probability of suffering adverse reactions and transfusion-transmitted infections, thus it is an optimal and safe therapy for the patient. PRP has been used in the treatment of several dermatological conditions such as acne, alopecia, and skin ulcers. Read More

Acta Oncol 2019 Feb 14:1-6. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

a Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC) , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden.

Background: Childhood cancer survivors treated before 1992, when blood donor screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was introduced, are at risk of transfusion-transmitted HCV infection. A national HCV screening campaign targeting blood transfusion recipients was launched in Sweden in 2007-2010. The aims of this study were to, among adult childhood cancer survivors in Stockholm County, investigate the prevalence of HCV infection, the natural course of infection, treatment outcome and anti-HCV testing frequency before, during and after the screening campaign and finally to actively screen the untested ones. Read More

Cell Rep 2019 Feb;26(7):1718-1726.e4

Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA. Electronic address:

Zaire Ebola virus (ZEBOV) survivors experience visual and CNS sequelae that suggests the ZEBOV glycoprotein can mediate neurotropism. Replication-competent rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP vaccine candidate is generally well tolerated; however, its potential neurotropism requires careful study. Here, we show that a single inoculation of rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP virus in neonatal C57BL/6 mice results in transient viremia, neurological symptoms, high viral titers in eyes and brains, and death. Read More

Transfusion 2019 Feb;59(2):444-445

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.

Asian J Transfus Sci 2018 Jul-Dec;12(2):112-116

ICMR Virus Unit, I.D. and B.G. Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Introduction: One of the most common blood-borne transfusion-transmitted diseases is hepatitis C. Patients with a history of multiple blood transfusions are significantly at a greater risk of infection by contaminated blood and blood products. Beta thalassemia major is one such condition where repeated blood transfusions are required for patient management. Read More

Malar J 2019 Jan 22;18(1):17. Epub 2019 Jan 22.

Department of Translational Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.

Background: Transfusion with Plasmodium-infected blood represents a risk for malaria transmission, a rare but severe event. Several non-endemic countries implement a strategy for the screening of candidate blood donors including questionnaire for the identification of at-risk subjects and laboratory testing of blood samples, often serology-based, with temporary deferral from donation for individuals with a positive result. In Italy, the most recent legislation, issued in November 2015, introduced the use of serological tests for the detection of anti-Plasmodium antibodies. Read More

Malar J 2019 Jan 15;18(1). Epub 2019 Jan 15.

Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.

Background: Malaria can be transmitted by blood transfusion from human to human and it is responsible for the majority of transfusion-transmitted infectious diseases worldwide. In sub-Saharan Africa, it had been estimated that almost a quarter of blood donations contain malaria parasites. Since rapid diagnostic tests and thick blood smear microscopy lack sensitivity for low density parasitaemia, particularly in asymptomatic adults, the most reliable method to assess the problem of transfusion-transmitted malaria are nucleic acid-based molecular approaches such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Read More

Transfusion 2019 Jan 27;59(1):295-302. Epub 2018 Dec 27.

Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Background: Three probable cases of transfusion-transmitted (TT) parvovirus B19 (B19V) occurred in Australia between 2014 and 2017. This study aimed to determine the B19V DNA prevalence among blood donors, to model the risk to recipients of fresh components, and to assess risk management options.

Study Design And Methods: Plasma samples from 4232 donors were tested for B19V DNA by polymerase chain reaction. Read More

AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2019 Apr 29;35(4):376-381. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

4 Scientific Affairs, Abbott Laboratories, Singapore, Singapore.

Infection with human T lymphotropic virus (HTLV), although asymptomatic in most cases, can lead to severe illnesses, such as adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma or myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis. HTLV can be transmitted by whole-blood (WB) transfusion. The prevalence of HTLV among blood donor populations has not been characterized in Vietnam, although the screening has been partially implemented on voluntary basis since 2016. Read More

Vox Sang 2019 Jan 6;114(1):17-27. Epub 2018 Dec 6.

Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Background And Objectives: Globally, blood safety interventions have been successful in mitigating risk of the major transfusion-transmitted (TT) viruses. However, strategies that address risk from parasites are comparatively limited. TT parasites are often regional in nature, posing unique challenges; we sought to understand their impact on blood safety. Read More

Front Immunol 2018 26;9:2741. Epub 2018 Nov 26.

Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States.

Leptin, a pleiotropic protein has long been recognized to play an important role in the regulation of energy homeostasis, metabolism, neuroendocrine function, and other physiological functions through its effects on the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral tissues. Leptin is secreted by adipose tissue and encoded by the obese () gene. Leptin acts as a central mediator which regulates immunity as well as nutrition. Read More

Blood Adv 2018 Dec;2(23):3462-3478

Laboratory of Complement Biology and.

The intraerythrocytic parasite is the number 1 cause of transfusion-transmitted infection and can induce serious, often life-threatening complications in immunocompromised individuals including transfusion-dependent patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Despite the existence of strong long-lasting immunological protection against a second infection in mouse models, little is known about the cell types or the kinetics of protective adaptive immunity mounted following infection, especially in infection-prone SCD that are thought to have an impaired immune system. Here, we show, using a mouse infection model, that infected wild-type (WT) mice mount a very strong adaptive immune response, characterized by (1) coordinated induction of a robust germinal center (GC) reaction; (2) development of follicular helper T (T) cells that comprise ∼30% of splenic CD4 T cells at peak expansion by 10 days postinfection; and (3) high levels of effector T-cell cytokines, including interleukin 21 and interferon γ, with an increase in the secretion of antigen (Ag)-specific antibodies (Abs). Read More

Int J Organ Transplant Med 2018 1;9(3):126-131. Epub 2018 Aug 1.

Gametogenesis Research center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.

Background: Transfusion-transmitted virus (TTV) is a single-stranded DNA virus. Renal transplant patients have a higher risk of TTV infection.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of TTV and its correlation with post-renal transplantation complications in a population of Iranian patients. Read More

Biotechniques 2018 12;65(6):331-338

Division of Emerging & Transfusion-Transmitted Diseases, Laboratory of Bacterial & Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Agents, Center for Biologics Evaluation & Research, Office of Blood Research & Review, US Food & Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA.

Staphylococcus epidermidis is the most common transfusion-associated pathogen contaminating platelet concentrates. Methods to reduce or eliminate contaminating bacteria from platelet units are critical for improving the safety of blood transfusions. We used rapid isolation of DNA aptamers (RIDA) to identify single-stranded (ss)DNA aptamers as ligands that specifically bind to S. Read More

Transfusion 2019 Jan 26;59(1):287-294. Epub 2018 Nov 26.

Central Blood Institute, Blood Service Headquarters, Japanese Red Cross Society, Tokyo, Japan.

Background: Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and is endemic in Latin America. In nonendemic countries, including Japan, Chagas disease is primarily a problem in the context of transfusion transmission. Approximately 250,000 immigrants from Latin America reside in Japan, and many of those individuals serve as active blood donors. Read More

J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad 2018 Jul-Sep;30(3):351-355

Department of Community Dentistry, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.

Background: Donor notification of reactive status is important to prevent the spread of disease. Response of reactive donors to seek confirmation and treatment is a direct reflection of their knowledge and attitudes towards transfusion transmittable infections.

Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted from August 2014 to July 2015 at the blood bank of a tertiary care hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Read More

Indian J Med Microbiol 2018 Jul-Sep;36(3):352-356

Department of Gastroenterology, KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Purpose: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCV being a ribonucleic acid virus has considerable sequence variability. Assessment of viral load and genotype is necessary for designing treatment strategies and monitoring for viral resistance among HCV-infected cases. Read More

Transfusion 2019 Feb 14;59(2):524-533. Epub 2018 Nov 14.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.

Introduction: The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Hemovigilance Module (HM) collects data on the frequency, severity, and imputability of transfusion-associated adverse events. These events contribute to significant morbidity and mortality among transfusion patients. We report results from the first systematic assessment of eight attributes of the HM. Read More

Arq Neuropsiquiatr 2018 10;76(10):705-712

Laboratory of Bacterial and Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Agents, Division of Emerging and Transfusion-Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Protein misfolding diseases are usually associated with deposits of single "key" proteins that somehow drive the pathology; β-amyloid and hyperphosphorylated tau accumulate in Alzheimer's disease, α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease, or abnormal prion protein (PrPTSE) in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs or prion diseases). However, in some diseases more than two proteins accumulate in the same brain. These diseases might be considered "complex" proteinopathies. Read More

Int J Parasitol 2019 Feb 24;49(2):115-125. Epub 2018 Oct 24.

Cell Surface Signalling Laboratory, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge CB10 1SA, United Kingdom. Electronic address:

Human babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne parasitic disease and blood transfusion-transmitted infection primarily caused by the apicomplexan parasite, Babesia microti. There is no licensed vaccine for B. microti and the development of a reliable serological screening test would contribute to ensuring the safety of the donated blood supply. Read More

Int J Parasitol 2019 Feb 24;49(2):145-151. Epub 2018 Oct 24.

Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA. Electronic address:

The incidence of babesiosis, Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases has increased steadily in Europe and North America during the last five decades. Babesia microti is transmitted by species of Ixodes, the same ticks that transmit the Lyme disease-causing spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi. B. Read More

Pak J Med Sci 2018 Sep-Oct;34(5):1204-1208

Tahir Sultan Shamsi, FRC Path. National Institute of Blood Diseases & Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan.

Background And Objective: Blood transfusion is an essential and life-saving medical intervention. Despite multiple preventive measures transfusion-transmitted hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection continues to be a major healthcare issue in Pakistan. This study was conducted at National Institute of Blood Diseases & Bone Marrow Transplantation to evaluate the frequency of active HCV infection with or without co-infection in blood donors and also to determine comparative efficacy of Multisure HCV antibody assay (MHAA); a new serological device. Read More

Transfusion 2018 12 19;58(12):2894-2902. Epub 2018 Oct 19.

Central Blood Institute, Japanese Red Cross Society, Tokyo, Japan.

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) transmission to very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWIs) sometimes induces serious clinical symptoms. Although breast milk is considered a major source of transmission, transfusion-transmitted CMV (TT-CMV) infection is often suspected when CMV disease develops after transfusion. Thus, it is clinically important to distinguish between transfusion-transmitted and breast milk-transmitted CMV infections. Read More

Rinsho Ketsueki 2018;59(10):2343-2348

Division of Hematology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine.

"Guidelines for the use of red blood cell products, platelet transfusion concentrates and fresh frozen plasma based on scientific evidence" was published by the Japan Society of Transfusion Medicine and Cell Therapy. Each transfused blood product carries a certain risk of an acute or late adverse event. Hematologists must be familiar with transfusion-associated adverse events, such as transfusion-related acute lung injury, transfusion-associated circulatory overload, post-transfusion graft-versus-host disease, transfusion-transmitted viral infection, etc. Read More

PLoS One 2018 8;13(10):e0205248. Epub 2018 Oct 8.

Center for Dengue Fever Control and Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.

To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic dengue virus-infected blood donors during the largest dengue outbreak in Taiwan history occurred in 2015, we examined the evidence of dengue virus (DENV) infection by the detection of DENV RNA genome using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR), DENV NS1 antigen using rapid diagnosis test (RDT) and anti-dengue antibody using IgM/IgG capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (capture ELISA) and RDT in eight thousand serum samples from blood donations to the blood centers of the Taiwan Blood Services Foundation (TBSF) in Kaohsiung City and Tainan City during the largest dengue outbreak in Taiwan history occurred in 2015. Only one serum sample was positive for DENV RNA detection by using dengue-specific real-time RT-PCR, the virus was DENV-2 determined by serotype-specific real-time RT-PCR and sequencing, and the DENVs in the serum were confirmed as being infectious by a plaque assay. The recipient of this blood did not develop any dengue fever symptom on follow-up. Read More

Malar J 2018 Oct 1;17(1):344. Epub 2018 Oct 1.

Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, CEP: 66075-110, Brazil.

Background: Malaria can be transmitted by blood transfusion through donations collected from asymptomatic or parasitic donors. The parasites are released into the bloodstream during its life cycle and will therefore be present in donated blood by infected individuals. All cases of transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) notified since 2005 in Brazil were fatal. Read More

Vet Microbiol 2018 Oct 30;224:66-69. Epub 2018 Aug 30.

Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Strada Provinciale per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano (Bari), Italy. Electronic address:

With the increase of blood transfusion in veterinary medicine, the presence of endemic viral agents in the blood should be carefully investigated. For this reason, the blood of feline and canine blood donors was screened to detect the presence of herpesviruses, especially gammaherpesviruses and parvoviruses, and to characterize the viruses detected. A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed on 31 cats and 54 dogs, enrolled as voluntary blood donors. Read More

Transfusion 2018 11 27;58(11):2611-2616. Epub 2018 Sep 27.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts.

Background: The risk for tickborne exposure to Babesia microti infection exists statewide in Massachusetts. Broad exposure complicates investigations of transfusion-transmitted babesiosis (TTB). We summarize 8 years of the epidemiology of TTB and highlight the role of public health in prevention and control. Read More

Clin Infect Dis 2018 Sep 20. Epub 2018 Sep 20.

Infectious Diseases Division, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda MD.

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), due to Leishmania infantum, is a persistent intracellular parasitic infection transmitted by the bite of infected sand flies. Symptomatic VL has been reported in U.S. Read More

Transfus Apher Sci 2018 Oct 11;57(5):683-688. Epub 2018 Sep 11.

Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA. Electronic address:

Blood transfusion safety has been increasingly improving during the past two decades. However, threats from both known and emerging pathogens require continual improvement and re-assessment of blood safety measures. In this respect, we are currently witnessing the broader implementation of Pathogen reduction technology (PRT) for blood complements. Read More

Orv Hetil 2018 Sep;159(37):1495-1500

Haematologiai Tanszék, Debreceni Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar és Klinikai Központ Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98., 4032.

Preparative and clinical transfusiology and transfusion, a majestic part of clinical medicine saved the life of hundred millions. However, bloodborne or transmitted infections became a serious issue in France in the 1980s, when many haemophiliacs were infected by HIV or hepatitis C virus by receiving plazma FactorVIII concentrates. This resulted in a quick and powerful development of screening as well as pathogen-inactivating methods, which reduced pathogen contamination and transmission to minimal levels. Read More

Korean J Pediatr 2018 Sep 6;61(9):265-270. Epub 2018 Sep 6.

Department of Pediatrics, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea.

Neonates, especially extremely low birth weight infants, are among the groups of patients undergoing transfusion frequently. Since they are exposed to higher specific transfusion risks compared to the patients of other age groups, there are many special aspects that must be considered for transfusion therapy in neonates. The transfusion risks in neonates include adverse outcomes specific for preterm infants as well as increased metabolic, immunologic, and infectious complications. Read More

Transfusion 2018 09 3;58(9):2115-2121. Epub 2018 Sep 3.

Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Background: Transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) is a rare occurrence with serious consequences for the recipient. A case study is presented as an example of best practices for conducting a TTM investigation.

Case Report: A 15-year-old male with a history of sickle cell disease developed fever after a blood transfusion. Read More

Transfusion 2018 08 28;58(8):1933-1939. Epub 2018 Aug 28.

Johns Hopkins Hospital and Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.

Background: Bacterial contamination and associated septic transfusion reactions (STRs) remain the leading infectious risk to the blood supply. We sought to characterize the risk and clinical presentation of blood culture-positive transfusion reactions (BCPTRs) and STRs at our institution.

Study Design And Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of all suspected transfusion reactions reported to the transfusion service at a 1000-bed tertiary academic medical center from January 2009 to September 2016. Read More

Indian Pediatr 2018 07;55(7):582-590

St Johns Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, India.

Justification: Despite having standard principles of management of hemophilia, treatment differs in various countries depending on available resources. Guideline for management of hemophilia in Indian setting is essential.

Process: Indian Academy of Pediatrics conducted a consultative meeting on Hemophilia on 18th September, 2016 in New Delhi, which was attended by experts in the field working across India. Read More

Parasitol Res 2018 Oct 14;117(10):3215-3228. Epub 2018 Aug 14.

Molecular Parasitology, National Institute of Pathology (ICMR), Safdarjung Hospital Campus, New Delhi, India.

The morphological and biochemical alterations between the two life stages of Leishmania are governed by stage-regulated expression of several genes. Amastigote-specific genes are believed to have a role in the survival and replication of the parasite in the hostile environment of the mammalian host. Previously, we have reported the upregulated expression of A1 gene (LdA1) at the amastigote stage at RNA level. Read More

Indian J Med Res 2018 05;147(5):445-455

National Institute of Biologicals, Noida, India.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a blood borne and transfusion-transmitted infection (TTI). It has emerged as one of the major health challenges worldwide. In India, around 12-18 million peoples are infected with HCV, but in terms of prevalence percentage, its looks moderate due to large population. Read More