Transfusion risk from emerging pathogens in the Asia –Pacific region

BackgroundAn emerging infectious disease (EID) refers to a disease that has recently appeared in a population or one that has rapidly increased in incidence or geographic range. Examples of EIDs include Ebola, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis E and the vector‐borne diseases caused by Zika and dengue virus. EIDs pose a risk to transfusion safety, which can be direct, if the agent can be transmitted through blood transfusion, or indirect, where outbreaks reduce the pool of available donors. Although examples of both have been observed, the former will be the focus of this review. Many transfusion risks have become global due to globalization and increased international travel; however, unique region‐specific concerns exist. The Asia–Pacific region varies in size depending on context, but for the purposes of this review will be defined as South‐East Asia, East Asia and Oceania. This region is a hotspot for genetic diversity, as well as the emergence of a number of infectious diseases. The Asia–Pacific region is also geographically, culturally, socio‐economically and climatically diverse. Moreover, the level of sophistication in blood operators within this region varies, from a national supplier based on voluntary blood donors as is seen in Australia to hospital‐based services relying on replacement donors, which is seen in many nations across the Pacific. AimsTo review current EID risks to blood transfusion safety in the Asia–Pacific region. MethodsReview of available public ...
Source: ISBT Science Series - Category: Hematology Authors: Tags: Invited Review Source Type: research