Risk reduction strategies for transfusion‐transmissible arboviral infections. (28th July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seed, C. R.
• Is Part Of: ISBT science series. Volume 9:Number 1(2014)
• Page Start: 268
• Page End: 275
• Publication Date: 2014-07-28
• Subjects: blood donation testing -- epidemiology -- NAT testing -- transfusion‐transmissible infections; Blood -- Periodicals; Blood -- Transfusion -- Periodicals; Immunohematology -- Periodicals; Immunopathology -- Periodicals; 615.39
• DOI: 10.1111/voxs.12093
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-2816

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Arthropod‐borne viruses (arboviruses) are an expanding global threat to human health. Only dengue (DENV) and West Nile virus (WNV) have both been documented to be transfusion‐transmissible although transfusion is a plausible route of infection for several others including chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Aims: To describe possible risk management strategies to reduce the risk of transfusion‐transmissible arboviral infection. Materials/Methods: Management strategies include geographical donor deferral, donation testing and pathogen reduction techniques (PRT), which can be applied individually or in combination. Geographical donor deferral ranges from temporary implementation of a policy deferring donors returning from outbreak areas to a 'blanket' deferral of all donors returning for a defined period after return from overseas. Donation testing may be 'targeted' testing of 'at risk' donors or universal donation testing. Results: Implementing temporary deferral policies for outbreaks of WNV, dengue and CHIKV has been an effective strategy in several countries. A 'blanket' deferral of all donors returning for a defined period after return from overseas has been implemented in the Netherlands. Universal nucleic acid testing (NAT) for WNV has applied in North America since 2003. Targeted testing of all donations made during local outbreaks has been applied in several countries in response to CHIKV (Réunion, Italy) DENV (Puerto Rico, Madeira) and WNV (Greece, Italy). PRT has been applied in combination with targeted NAT to safeguard platelet and RBC donations during outbreaks of CHIKV and WNV. Conclusions: Mitigation strategies for transfusion‐transmissible arboviral infection have to date been highly effective in minimizing recipient risk.