Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes
acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Testing each unit of donated
blood for HIV began in 1985, and all donated blood is now tested for
HIV.
With improved testing for HIV, the number of
transfusion-related AIDS cases continues to drop. The risk of HIV
transmission from a transfusion is about 1 in 2 million. Along with
testing, the risk is reduced by asking donors questions about HIV risk
factors and symptoms.
Other infections
Along with the tests noted above, all blood
for transfusion is tested for syphilis, as well as HTLV-I and HTLV-II
(viruses linked to human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma). Since 2003, donated
blood has been tested for the West Nile virus, too. In 2007, blood banks
also began testing for Chagas disease (common in South and Central
America).
Diseases caused by certain bacteria,
viruses, and parasites, such as babesiosis, malaria, Lyme disease, and
others can also be spread by blood product transfusions. But because
potential donors are screened with questions about their health status
and travel, such cases are very rare.
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