The risk of transmitting prion disease by blood or plasma products

Transfus Apher Sci. 2010 Dec;43(3):387-391. doi: 10.1016/j.transci.2010.09.003. Epub 2010 Nov 11.

Abstract

Various experimental studies have shown infectivity in blood in relation to bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE) and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). Human to human transmission vCJD infection has been reported via transfusion of non-leukocyte-reduced red cells and, probably, via factor VIII concentrates. A number of precautionary measures are in place but uncertainties remain, especially concerning the number of BSE-infected people in the population. Additional measures such as prion filtration need consideration.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Safety
  • Cattle
  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome / transmission
  • Disease Transmission, Infectious / prevention & control*
  • Encephalopathy, Bovine Spongiform / transmission
  • Erythrocytes
  • Factor VIII
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes
  • Plasma Exchange / adverse effects*
  • Prion Diseases / transmission*
  • Risk
  • Transfusion Reaction*

Substances

  • Factor VIII