Transfusion‐associated acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Abstract

Abstract The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most severe manifestation of infection with a newly recognized retrovirus known as HTLV‐III/LAV (human T‐lymphotropic virus type III/lymphadenopathy‐associated virus). Persons with AIDS have a severe disorder of the immune system that renders them susceptible to a number of opportunistic infections and cancers. Over 80% die within 2 years of diagnosis. Thousands of people have developed AIDS. Most are homosexual/bisexual men or intravenous drug users in the United States or highly sexually active heterosexuals in central Africa or Haiti. Many countries, however, are reporting rapid increases in the number of cases. A small proportion of AIDS patients have been infected by contaminated clotting‐factor concentrates or by blood transfusions. Although AIDS is a rare complication of blood transfusions, it has evoked more fear of transfusions than other more common infectious agents. Strategies for preventing transfusion‐associated AIDS have been suggested by investigations of recipients who have developed disease, donors who have transmitted infection, and components that served as vehicles of transmission. HTLV‐III/LAV antibody tests are now available for screening blood before transfusion. The effectiveness of the prevention strategies and the properties of the HTLV‐III/LAV antibody tests are reviewed.

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