Still in Focus: Assessment of Blood-Borne Pathogens

摘要: The German Advisory Committee Blood (Arbeitskreis Blut) was installed by the Federal Ministry of Health 15 years ago, under impression an epidemic virus transmissions through blood products. task this committee, which is based at Robert Koch-Institut in Berlin, to provide reliable scientific advice government concerning quality and safety as well appropriate use status Arbeitskreis Blut has been enhanced stipulating its role operation Transfusion Act 1998. All time since foundation, a major focus work regarding transmission infectious agents. established permanent subgroup ‘Assessment Pathogens Transmissible Blood’, meeting regularly Paul-Ehrlich-Institut Langen, dedicated compiling updating information on agents transmitted blood. In past decades, products increased dramatically meanwhile very high. This impressive improvement pathogen due donor criteria advancements technology leading extremely sensitive specific tests used for screening. serological testing, i.e. per se already efficient detection antibodies or antigens, supplemented introduction nucleic acid amplification (NAT) HCV genome 1999, HIV 2004. success strategy demonstrated haemovigilance data collected Paul-Ehrlich-Institut: Since NAT, only one single case components have reported Germany, where about 4.5 million whole donations take place annually. Ongoing projects aim increasing margin even further inactivation procedures. Effective steps became mandatory plasma derivatives 20 ago practically eliminated viral diseases these story helped much restore confidence patients into However, unfortunately ‘zero risk’ cannot be reached with biological As matter fact, pathogens are moving target, there continuous race between progress science emerging re-emerging pathogens. New may pose particular risks because they escape screening systems, it difficult develop test methods suitable screening, agent causing variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). ‘Old’ reemerge mutations, changes their habitat influence human lifestyle, particularly ever-growing international travel; recent examples found among arthropod-borne viruses, bacteria parasites example. Thus, no reason lay back complacency, Blood’ continuing order timely advice. reviews published TRANSFUSION MEDICINE AND HEMOTHERAPY soon were finalised. frequent request from e.g. transfusionists, societies regulators assessments, focused strongly perspective product safety, issue journal booklet relevant ready hand met special August 2005 [1]. present provides additional papers Influenza [2], Hepatitis E [3], Malaria [4], Arbobacteria [5], paper Arboparasites [6] English version first time. With save supply view (vCJD), expert working group appointed Minister 2001. A comprehensive report 2006 [7]. Of concern reports obvious vCJD transfusion red cells, raises current epidemiology, background diagnostics, numerous developments towards systems regulatory aspects ethical problems extensively discussed group; [8]. The recognizes acknowledges done both groups preparation statements. Also excellent secretarial support Mrs. Knoess, Taylor, Erikli gratefully appreciated. We confident that another helpful reference manual rapid blood-borne agents, strategic considerations ensure safe supply.