Blood Donors Research Articles

Risk Factors for Viral Coinfections in Blood Donors in Bahia, Brazil.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Human T Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) coinfection may lead to disease progression or worsen its clinical presentation. Viral coinfections screening during blood donation is critical. To identify risk factors for coinfection among blood donors, we assessed the blood donations at the Fundação de Hematologia e Hemoterapia da Bahia, from 2008 to 2017. We compared serological/molecular evidence of single infection versus two or more viral blood-borne infections-BBI). A multivariable logistic regression model was performed to evaluate independent associations between characteristics of donors with single infection and multiple infection using "non-infection" category as reference. Among 777,446 collected blood donations, 27 358 (3.5%) were reactive, most (n = 26 677, 97.6%) for a single infection and 681 (2.4%) for coinfection. The most frequent coinfections were HBV-HIV (30.6%), HBV-HCV (30.4%), and HBV-HTLV (24.4%). Male sex, lower education, being single, and being a first-time donor were independently associated with both single and coinfections. Nevertheless, the adjusted odds for risk factors of coinfections were much higher than those for single infection. Donors with single and coinfection for BBI shared identical risks, but they were significantly higher for coinfection. Preventive strategies addressing the identified risks can decrease transmission of viral BBI by blood transfusion.

The dominance of old blood, and age-related increase in protein production and noise.

This concise review provides new perspectives on systemic reduction of tissue aging by comparing different strategies, such as heterochronic parabiosis, injections of young blood plasma, neutral blood exchange (NBE) and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). Unlike previous literature that primarily discusses the need for young blood factors, we emphasize the potential of diluting age-elevated proteins as the way to re-calibrate systemic proteome to its younger state without donor blood. Furthermore, we introduce modulation of proteome noise, as an important part of understanding tissue aging and as a critical mechanism for tissue rejuvenation. We discuss studies on the dominance of aged systemic milieu in promoting progeric phenotypes in young cells, in vitro, and in multiple tissues of young animals, in vivo. We support our arguments with evidence showing a significant age-related increase in protein synthesis, in noise of newly synthesized proteomes, and in the rapid induction of these aging phenotypes in young muscle by exposure to aged tissue. We summarize the significance of these findings for future research on aging and longevity.

A phase 2, multicenter, open-label study of AlloStim in-situ cancer vaccine immunotherapy as 3L therapy in MSS/pMMR metastatic colorectal cancer.

TPS317 Background: Neoantigen therapeutic cancer vaccines have had limited clinical benefit in metastatic tumor settings. Tumor immunoediting selects tumor clones over time that are non-immunogenic. In addition, the metastatic tumor microenvironment (TME) becomes profoundly immunosuppressive. Microsatellite stable (MSS) and mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) tumors do not accumulate mutations, resulting in low mutational burden (TMB) and a lack of neoantigen targets. Consequently, therapeutic vaccine approaches for mCRC have had difficulty in demonstrating clinical effectiveness. Novel approaches that boost the immune response in low TMB tumors may benefit mCRC patients. AlloStim is an allogeneic, non-genetically manipulated, living Th1-like cell immunotherapy. The Th1-like cells are ex-vivo differentiated and expanded from healthy blood donors and activated prior to infusion. These cells are designed to be rejected upon intradermal (ID) injection. Repeated ID injections elicit high titers of allo-specific Th1 memory cells in circulation. In allo-primed patients, intravenous (IV) infusion of AlloStim causes a rejection response that releases cytokines, such as IL-12, which non-specifically activate circulating memory T cells and NK cells. Activated host memory T-cells and NK cells extravasate and traffic to metastatic tumor sites. This creates the conditions for “in-situ vaccination”. Activated NK cells cause disruption of the cell membrane and release of chaperoned neoantigens into the tumor microenvironment, a process known as immunological cell death (ICD). The release of neoantigens into the microenvironment in the context of inflammation mediated by infiltrating Th1 memory cells creates conditions for in-situ vaccination. In situ vaccination represents an alternative immunotherapy approach in which a therapeutic cancer vaccine is generated in vivo without the need to previously identify and isolate tumor neoantigens. Methods: To investigate this novel in-situ vaccine mechanism, a phase 2, multicenter, single-arm clinical trial in 3L MSS/pMMR mCRC subjects that have been previously treated with oxaliplatin-containing and irinotecan-containing chemotherapy regimens, anti-EGFR (RAS wt and left-sided) and anti-VEGF was initiated. Patients were administered weekly AlloStim in three 28-day cycles consisting of 4 ID injections and a combination ID and IV infusion on the final week in each cycle to create self-amplifying waves of allo-specific and tumor-specific host immune cells in circulation which traffic to tumors upon IV infusion. The primary end-point is overall survival. 21 evaluable patients have been enrolled and are currently being followed for maturity of the survival data. Clinical trial information: NCT04444622 .

A phase 2, multicenter, open-label study of AlloStim combined with anti-PD-L1immunotherapy as 4L therapy in patients with MSS/pMMR metastatic colorectal cancer.

TPS318 Background: Microsatellite stable (MSS)/mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are immunologically 'cold' tumors that do not respond to immunotherapy. Cold tumors represent a formidable hurdle for checkpoint blockade immunotherapy approaches. Therefore, there is a need for novel strategies that could reprogram mCRC cold tumors to become inflamed hot tumors in a manner that might potentially convert low tumor mutational burden (TMB) tumors into checkpoint blockade responsive tumors. AlloStim is an experimental allogeneic, non-genetically manipulated, Th1-like activated living cell immunotherapy derived from healthy unrelated blood donors. The mechanism of action is designed to convert immunologically cold tumors into inflamed hot tumors. A case study of a single 3L MSS/pMMR mCRC patient primed with AlloStim followed by combination anti-PD-1/anti-CTLA4 checkpoint blockade resulted in a rare objective tumor response (Hirschfeld, et al, Translational Medicine Communications (2024) 9:15). The AlloStim priming results in an abundance of infiltrating interferon-gamma producing Th1 cells. Interferon-gamma has been shown to increase expression of PD-L1 in the TME. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the combination of AlloStim with an anti-PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor might optimally evoke anti-tumor immune responses in this immunotherapy-refractory MSS/pMMR mCRC population. Methods: The study is a phase 2, multicenter, single-arm clinical trial of MSS/pMMR mCRC subjects in 4L that have been previously treated with an oxaliplatin-containing and irinotecan-containing chemotherapy regimen, anti-EGFR (RAS wt and left-sided), anti-VEGF and have progressed on 3L TAS-102 +/- bevacizumab or regorafenib or fruquinitinib. The study is evaluating weekly AlloStim priming from day 0 to day 49 followed by combination of AlloStim IV infusion (q2w) followed a week later by anti-PD-L1 (avelumab 800mg/q2w) from days 63 to day 98. Objective tumor response and disease control rate are the primary end-points. Overall survival is the secondary end-point. Clinically stable patients at day 112 can continue in an expansion phase with another round of combination AlloStim and avelumab from day 119 to day 154. CT scans are conducted at baseline, day 56 after AlloStim priming, day 112 after combination of alternating q2w infusions of AlloStim and avelumab and day 168 in all patients. CT scans will be analyzed by independent central readers using RECIST 1.1. Up to 50 patients will be enrolled with an interim analysis performed to assess efficacy after 20 patients become evaluable. The study is open and has not yet enrolled any patients at time of submission. Clinical trial information: NCT06557278 .

Undergraduate Students’ Knowledge Regarding Blood Donation: A Cross-Sectional Study

Undergraduate Students’ Knowledge Regarding Blood Donation: A Cross-Sectional Study

Identification of near full-length human pegivirus type 2 (HPgV-2) genomes in blood donor samples co-infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Human pegivirus (HPgV) identified from an HCV-infected plasma sample through nanopore metagenomics. The analysis revealed a nearly complete HPgV-2 genome. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed its classification within the HPgV-2 genotype, providing insights into viral co-infection dynamics. The metagenomics approach advances the understanding of viral diversity and supports the development of accurate diagnostics.

Factors involved in the recruitment and retention of voluntary blood donors in South Kivu (Democratic Republic of Congo), results from a qualitative study

Background and objectiveVoluntary blood donations remain a major concern in the Democratic Republic of Congo, increasing morbidity and mortality due to shortages of safe blood. Local studies show low rates of recruitment and retention of voluntary donations, as well as a high attrition rate of former donors. The psychosocial factors involved in deciding to become and remain a voluntary blood donor in sub-Saharan Africa remain poorly understood. Our study therefore aimed to explore the motivational factors and perceptions involved in voluntary blood donation in South Kivu.Materials and methodsWe conducted 20 individual interviews, and three focus group discussions were conducted with a total of 26 volunteer donors. As a way of triangulation, two additional focus-groups were held with 19 non-donors. The individual interviews were analysed thematically, using a starting list of 3 predefined units of analysis, namely: initiation, maintenance, and cessation of voluntary blood donation. The data was analysed inductively within these predefined units of analysis to generate possible factors of motivation that were then presented and further discussed during the focus-groups discussions with donors and non-donors.ResultsFear presented as a factor influencing the decisions to donate blood either positively or negatively, from recruitment to maintenance to cessation of donation. Other motivational factors were found to be linked to the perceived meaning of voluntary donation, such as the meaning given to the blood voluntary donation and material or non-material expectations. Our results suggest that expectations for material rewards are still high in the context of poverty.ConclusionIn conclusion, many motivational factors may act as incentives or barriers to voluntary blood donation, including high expectations towards the transfusion system. Local particularities need to be considered when promoting voluntary blood donation. The fear of being abused by the system needs to be addressed, by enhancing accessibility to transfusions.

Syphilis-positive and false-positive trends among US blood donors, 2013-2023.

US blood donors are tested for syphilis because the bacterial agent is transfusion transmissible. Here we describe trends over an 11-year period of donations positive for recent and past syphilis infections, and donations classified as syphilis false positive (FP). Data from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2023 (11 years) were compiled for all American Red Cross blood donations to evaluate demographics/characteristics and longitudinal trends in donors testing syphilis reactive/positive. The prevalence of recent, past, and total (combination of recent/past) infections were evaluated, along with syphilis FP donations. Classification was based on known serological methods using treponemal and non-treponemal tests. Approximately 53 million donations were included with 10,365 total syphilis infections (3463 recent and 6902 past; 0.02% total) and 48,719 FP (0.09%). Donor demographics, characteristics, and HBV/HCV/HIV nucleic acid testing reactivity differed among syphilis-positive and FP compared with nonreactive donations. Donors with a FP donation had high rates of subsequent donations testing syphilis positive (0.3%) and FP (7.7%). Median time from first FP to subsequent FP was observed to be 3.6 months. Recent infections increased over the 11 years, with past infections peaking in 2014 followed by increases in 2021-2023 paralleling recent infections. Repeating cycles of seasonal FP spikes occurred in the fall of 2013 and from 2017 to 2022 corresponding with vaccine administrations. Syphilis infections in blood donors are trending upward, paralleling US population trends. Syphilis FP donors had high rates of subsequent FP and unexplained syphilis-positive donations. Seasonal syphilis FP spikes occurred for most years but are trending downwards.

Evaluation of immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G titers of ABO blood group system in blood donors at a blood center of a tertiary care hospital

Abstract BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: ABO antibodies have implications in platelet transfusions, solid organ, and bone marrow transplants. The study aimed at measuring the immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) ABO antibody titers in A, B, and O blood group blood donors and correlating the titers with age, gender, and blood group of donors. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A prospective observational study was performed over 3 years at a tertiary care blood center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Equal number of A, B, and O group blood donor samples chosen by random sampling were evaluated for titers by doubling dilution using tube method. IgM titers were determined at room temperature. IgG titers were tested at 37°C with anti-IgG antiglobulin reagent after inactivating IgM antibodies by dithiothreitol. The titers were correlated with age, gender, and blood group. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Mann–Whitney U-test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Bonferroni correction were employed for various correlations using IBM SPSS v26 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software. A two-tailed P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 870 samples (290 of each of A, B, and O blood groups) were tested for IgG and IgM antibody titers. IgG anti-A and anti-B titers were significantly higher in blood group O as compared to blood groups B and A. Anti-B IgM titers in group A were significantly higher than anti-A IgM titer in B. The antibody titer showed decreasing trend with age. There was no correlation with gender. CONCLUSIONS: The study will help hospitals and blood centers in formulating policies regarding ABO antibody titer estimation in platelet donors and renal transplant recipients in the context of out-of ABO group platelet transfusions and ABO-incompatible renal transplants, respectively.

Iron deficiency among Greek whole blood donors

Iron deficiency among Greek whole blood donors

Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato antibodies in English adult blood donors: A nationwide cross-sectional study, 2021-2022.

Estimates of Lyme disease incidence in England are based on reporting of cases with a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis only, underestimating total cases. In 2017 - 2018, two independent reviews commissioned by the UK Government highlighted the lack of official data on Lyme disease prevalence and incidence as a critical knowledge gap. To estimate the prevalence of IgG antibodies in the English adult population specific for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl), the causative agent of Lyme disease. The prevalence of Bbsl-specific antibodies in the English population was estimated in a cross-sectional cohort, selected from an archive of residual NHS blood donor plasma samples (age range 17 - 84, collected between 2021 - 2022). 10,000 samples were randomly selected proportionate to the population size of each of the nine English administrative regions. 9,994 samples were tested using a standard two-tiered testing strategy, with an IgG/IgM ELISA followed by an IgG immunoblot (array) test for any sera with positive or indeterminate reactivity in the ELISA. Out of the 9,994 samples tested, 482 were seroreactive by screening ELISA. After two-tier testing, 49 were confirmed positive. Regional and demographic differences in seroprevalence were observed after two-tier testing, but due to the low overall seroprevalence, were not significant upon multivariable analysis. The seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato-specific IgG in the English adult population (2021 - 2022), determined using two-tier testing was estimated at 0.49 % (95 % CI 0.36 - 0.65). This is lower than neighbouring UK nation Scotland and other northern European countries.

Syphilis in a blood bank in Argentina: Prevalence trends and risk factors.

Worldwide, there has been a worrying increase in the prevalence of syphilis. Blood banks have a major role in monitoring the trend of these events, despite the bias due to the altruistic donation strategy. To determine the seroprevalence of syphilis and analyse its association with defined risk factors among blood donors at the regional blood center at Hospital Prof. Dr. J. P. Garrahan, period 2016-2022. Donor screening was performed with treponemal and non-treponemal tests to determine the prevalence of active and past syphilis. Sociodemographic characteristics of donors were analysed and the association with potential risk factors was assessed. A total of 72 874 donations were processed during the study period. The overall prevalence of specific anti-Treponema pallidum antibodies was 0.69% (95% CI = 0.63-0.75). Active syphilis seroprevalence was 0.30% (95% CI = 0.25-0.33). Not active syphilis seroprevalence was 0.39% (95% CI = 0.35-0.44). Anti-T. pallidum seroprevalence among first-time donations was 1.26% (95% CI = 1.14-1.38) while in repeat donations it was 0.16% (95% CI = 0.12-0.21). In univariate analysis, we found an association between syphilis and having a history of any sexually transmitted infection (OR: 5.09, 95% CI = 2.20-11.70, p < 0.01) and being first-time donors (OR: 3.48, 95% CI = 1.70-7.09, p = 0.0001). Although the overall prevalence of syphilis is 0.69%, among repeat donors prevalence as low as 0.16% was found. This demonstrates the need to maintain and improve screening strategies and promotion of voluntary, altruistic and repeat donation.

Comparing haploidentical transplantation with post-transplantation cyclophosphamide and umbilical cord blood transplantation using targeted busulfan in children and adolescents with hematologic malignancies

PurposeThis study compared the outcomes of haploidentical-related donor (HRD) and umbilical cord blood (UCB) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in pediatric patients with hematologic malignancies.MethodsData on patients who underwent HRD HSCT with post-transplant cyclophosphamide (n = 41) and UCB HSCT (n = 24) after targeted busulfan-based myeloablative conditioning with intensive pharmacokinetic monitoring between 2009 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsThe median follow-up durations in the HRD and UCB groups were 7.0 and 10.9 years, respectively. The cumulative incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) grades II–IV and moderate-to-severe chronic GVHD did not differ significantly between the groups. However, the HRD group demonstrated significantly lower rates of acute GVHD grades III–IV (4.9% vs. 29.2%, p = 0.009) and non-relapse mortality (2.6% vs. 34.2%, p < 0.001) but a higher relapse incidence (32.1% vs. 8.8%, p = 0.004) than the UCB group. The 5-year event-free and overall survival rates were 65.8% and 54.2% (p = 0.204) and 78.0% and 65.7% (p = 0.142) for the HRD and UCB groups, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified disease status as a significant risk factor for overall survival (hazard ratio, 3.24; p = 0.016). Additionally, UCB HSCT exhibited a trend toward worse event-free survival compared to HRD HSCT (hazard ratio, 2.63; p = 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings indicate that HRD HSCT with post-transplant cyclophosphamide provides promising outcomes compared to UCB HSCT in pediatric patients, with a trend toward improved survival over a long-term follow-up period exceeding a median of 7 years. Thus, HRD HSCT may be a valuable option for pediatric patients without human leukocyte antigen-matched donors.

Distribution of ABO and Rhesus Blood Groups among Blood Donor Attending Transfusion Medicine Department of Chattagram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital Medical College

Introduction: The ABO blood group system was the first human blood group system to be discovered by Karl Landsteiner in 1900. Next to ABO, Rhesus system the second most significant blood group system. Blood group is applied to the genetically determined antigen which can be detected on the red cell surface of an individual by specific antibody. The aim of this study to examine the distribution patterns of ABO and Rh-D blood group among the blood donor attending at Transfusion Medicine Department in CMOSH. It is helpful to increase social awareness among the population and maintain safe blood transfusion to patient. Materials and methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted in the Department of Transfusion Medicine,Chattagram Maa O Shishu Hospital Medical College, from January to December 2022. After proper ethical consideration a total of 7,289 blood donors were included in this study. ABO and Rh blood groupings were carried out in our blood bank by standard tile techniques. Results: Among 7,289 blood donors male blood donors were 6,936(95.15%), female blood donors were 353(4.84%).2,775 (38.07%) blood donor were identified as having blood group B while 2,185 (29.97%) were blood group O, 1702( 23.35%) and 627(8.6%)were blood group A and AB respectively. Rh-D positive were 6,960(95.48%) and Rh-D negative were 329(4.51%). Conclusion: The knowledge of ABO and Rhesus D blood group is important in blood transfusion service.Study of blood grouping not only generates a simple database but also create a great social awareness about self-blood grouping and safe blood transfusion among the population of a country. Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.23 (1); January 2024; Page 52-55

P0025 The effect of very small superparamagnetic nanoparticles on human blood cells as a diagnostic tool in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract Background The field of application of organic or inorganic nanoparticles (1-100 nm size) is extensive and involves their use in medicine. This includes using nanoparticles in human beings or animals (life-stock) which holds advantages but also bears risks. Therefore, nanoparticles used in diagnostics and therapy should be inert not affecting tissues or immune cells. Additionally, nanoparticles should not aggregate to form clusters exceeding the size of 100 nm or accumulate in sensitive structures like bone marrow or brain for long-term deposition. We developed in-house very small superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (VSOP) with a size of 7 nm that were successfully used in preclinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of intestinal inflammation and sclerosis. This study elucidates the effect of nanoparticles on human blood cells, including monocytes as well as monocyte-derived macrophages, in vitro as a first step toward clinical application in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods Whole blood of healthy donors and patients suffering from IBD as well as monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages were treated with VSOP in vitro and analysed for changes in their transcriptome, phenotype and function. For transcriptome analysis, RNA sequencing was performed. Cell abundance, activation and proliferation were measured by mass cytometry. Migratory behavior of monocytes was analyzed by live microscopy. Cell metabolism was detected by Seahorse assay. Results RNA sequencing of monocytes showed that the most significantly regulated gene is encoding for the transferrin receptor (Tcfr). As a response to VSOP treatment and VSOP uptake thereby increasing the levels of intracellular iron, Tcfr is probably downregulated to restrict further iron uptake. While RNA sequencing of whole blood showed only significant differences in non-coding genes (C3orf86P, ENSG00000278996, ENSG00000259002), CyTOF analyses revealed that VSOP-treated monocytes are neither activated nor showing increased proliferation. Also, the migratory behavior is not influenced by VSOP uptake. Additionally, VSOP uptake resulted in an enhanced oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate. In comparison to the uptake of Latex beads, these increased rates are rather attributed to phagocytosis. Conclusion Analyses of our data with PBMC, monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages suggest, that treatment with VSOP has no major affect on phenotype and function of immune cells. Therefore, VSOP are a promising tool for the early detection of IBD through MRI.

Novel cycloviruses identified by mining human blood metagenomic data show close relationship to those from animals

The family Circoviridae includes the genera Circovirus and Cyclovirus. Cycloviruses have been found in serum samples from chronic HBV, HCV, or HIV-infected individuals as well as asymptomatic blood donors. However, research on cycloviruses is relatively limited. We used viral metagenomics to mine, analyze, and visualize the human blood virome, successfully identifying three new genomes, each encoding Rep and Capsid proteins. These proteins are crucial for viral replication and host-cell interaction: the Rep protein is involved in initiating viral genome replication, while the Capsid protein plays a key role in the assembly of new virions and the virus's ability to interact with host immune systems. Distance matrix and phylogenetic analyses show that these cycloviruses share high sequence similarity with viruses found in both humans and animals across different regions of Africa. This finding not only confirms the presence of previously uncharacterized cycloviruses in human blood, but also provides insight into their potential role in host transmission and their ecological significance. Further research is needed to explore the functional roles of these cycloviruses in viral pathogenesis, particularly how they may influence host immunity and contribute to chronic infections. Additionally, studies investigating the host range and mechanisms of cross-species transmission will be essential to understanding the broader implications of cycloviruses in human and animal health.

Multiplex-PCR technique to predict polymorphic antigens – M, N, S and s – and associations between their alleles and Mia-associated hybrid glycophorins

Serological typing of MNS polymorphic antigens – M, N, S and s – remains a fundamental technique in transfusion medicine and prenatal care, providing essential information for matching blood donors and recipients and managing haemolytic disease. Although this method is well proven and routinely used, it is not a comprehensive solution, as it has several weaknesses. Alternatively, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a commonly used genotyping tool due to its potency and ability to amplify several DNA targets simultaneously in a single reaction. In this work, we aimed to develop multiplex PCR and evaluate its performance for GYPA*M, GYPA*N, GYPB*S, and GYPB*s allele identification using serological and DNA sequencing methods. We also aimed to investigate the correlation between these alleles and Mia-associated hybrid glycophorins (GPs). Remarkably, multiplex PCR was well optimised, and the results aligned with serological phenotyping and DNA sequencing data with maximum accuracy and reliability; this confirmed our findings on its validity in predicting MNSs phenotypes. In addition, this work strongly demonstrates, for the first time, a moderate correlation between the GYPA*M/M and GYPB*s/s genotypes and Mia-associated hybrid GPs among Thai donors. Individuals with the GYPA*M/M and GYPB*s/s genotypes, predicted M + N − S− s + phenotypes, will thus most likely to express the Mi(a+) antigen. Nevertheless, further studies are required to validate these results and elucidate the underlying correlations.

B7-H3 CAR-T cell therapy combined with irradiation is effective in targeting bulk and radiation-resistant chordoma cancer cells

BackgroundChordoma is a slow-growing, primary malignant bone tumor that arises from notochordal tissue in the midline of the axial skeleton. Surgical excision with negative margins is the mainstay of treatment,...

New Pathogens in Blood Donors and Patients in Albania

Introduction: The emergence of novel pathogens poses a significant and immediate threat to global blood safety, particularly in regions experiencing epidemiological shifts. This study urgently examines the prevalence and impact of newly identified pathogens among blood donors and recipients in Albania, focusing on assessing their implications for public health and transfusion medicine. Results revealed a prevalence of new pathogens among donors and patients, highlighting the potential risk of transmission through blood transfusion. Travel history, socioeconomic status, and urban-rural disparities significantly influenced pathogen prevalence. This study underscores the urgent need for enhanced screening protocols and public health interventions to mitigate the risks associated with emerging pathogens. Our findings contribute to a growing body of evidence emphasizing the crucial role of continuous surveillance and adaptive strategies in transfusion medicine to ensure blood safety and protect vulnerable populations in Albania and beyond. Conclusion: The study highlights the presence of emerging pathogens in blood donors and patients in Albania, underscoring their potential to significantly impact blood safety and public health. The findings emphasize the necessity for improved screening protocols, continuous epidemiological surveillance, and targeted public health interventions to address the risks associated with these pathogens. Adopting adaptive strategies in transfusion medicine is critical to safeguarding the health of donors and recipients in the region.

Incidence and estimated risk of residual transmission of hepatitis a virus and parvovirus B19 by blood transfusion in the state of Rio De Janeiro – Brazil: a retrospective study

BackgroundNonenveloped viruses, such as hepatitis A virus (HAV) and parvovirus B19 (B19V), are not inactivated by detergents and solvents commonly used to manufacture plasma derivatives. Cases of transfusion-transmitted HAV and B19V have already been described in several countries. This study aimed to determine the incidence of HAV and B19V asymptomatic infections in blood donors from Rio de Janeiro and evaluate the residual risk of transmission to blood derivative recipients.MethodsFrom 2018 to 2019, 1,204 plasma samples were tested by PCR and real-time PCR. HAV and B19V genotypes were determined through sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The risk of transfusion transmission was determined using a Bayesian statistical approach.ResultsHAV-RNA and B19V-DNA were detected in 1.66 (95% CI 0.26–5.48) and 3.32 (95% CI 1.00-7.81) per 1000 donors, respectively. For HAV, all positive samples were classified as subgenotype IB. For B19V, the sequenced samples belonged to genotype 1A. The estimated numbers of infectious blood bags with HAV and B19V were 587 (95% CI 92-1936) and 880 (95% CI 355–2759), respectively.ConclusionThis study originally assessed the incidence of both Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) and B19 Virus (B19V) among Brazilian blood donors, as well as the potential risk of residual transmission of these infections through blood transfusions. Our findings can contribute to future cost-effective studies aimed at implementing screening methods for these viruses, which could enhance discussion on surveillance in blood banks and protective measures for blood recipients.