Myths: history, blood, sex and money.

Abstract

Whereas the origin of the word transfusion stems from ancient Latin transfundo, which initially meant pour from one vessel to another, its acceptation was early extended to two different notions: the corruption of a population by mixture with foreigners, with sexual and hybridisation connotations (Cicero, The Speech of MT Cicero in defence of Marcus Aemilius Scaurus, 56 AD), and the transfer of a debt (Digesta justiniani, 533 AD). Both sexuality taboos and the notion of debt were thus initially present in the word transfusion. Nevertheless, the idea of taking blood from one individual to infuse it into another is quite old. Although it was not performed by the ancient Egyptians, the idea was already developed, and the concept established: transfusion (transfer of the vital spirit or idea) was present before transfusion (transfer of blood between two subjects)! Immediately, the debt acceptation of the word transfusion emerges in our minds: blood transfusion is a transfer of debts, or at least, it is potentially a transfer of debts between the recipient and the donor. It is, therefore, important to think about the debt. The donor gives his blood and is usually unpaid. The gift is the expression of his altruism, his philanthropy, or generosity. Blood is a gift, whatever the reason(s) for offering the gift. The patient benefits directly from this donated blood, this blood maintains his life; without this blood, without any transfusion, the recipient could die. The beneficiary of a transfusion is, therefore, indebted to the donor, is liable to somebody of whom he knows nothing. This complex and exemplary relationship established between two different human beings has been overshadowed by the scandal of “contaminated blood”. This scandal is fresh in our minds and still obscures our reason. Indeed, transfusion-transmitted infections were and still are a major concern for clinicians, politicians, scientists and, evidently, for donors as well as patients. Is my blood pure? Why do I have contaminated blood? What were my relations with Gods condemning me to such an impurity? Why does my blood carry this damnation that will kill me and that can murder the potential recipient of my blood?