Blood transfusions are lifesaving, but they carry a risk of Transfusion-Transmitted Diseases if the blood is not adequately screened.
These infections, known as Transfusion-Transmitted Diseases (TTDs), can occur when pathogens are present in donated blood.
This article explores common TTDs, their causes, and prevention strategies using tables and flowcharts for easy understanding.
Common Transfusion-Transmitted Diseases
| Category | Examples of Diseases | Pathogen Type | Mode of Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viral Infections | Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, HTLV | Viruses | Blood, plasma, and cellular components |
| Bacterial Infections | Syphilis, Septicemia | Bacteria | Contaminated blood products |
| Parasitic Infections | Malaria, Babesiosis, Leishmaniasis | Parasites | Donor infection (in endemic areas) |
| Prion Diseases | Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) | Prions | Rare, through contaminated products |
Steps in Blood Screening to Prevent TTDs
Donor Selection Process
Pre-Donation Questionnaire
Testing of Donated Blood
- Viral markers: HIV, HBV, HCV
- Bacterial contamination: Culture methods
- Malaria screening in endemic areas
Blood Component Processing
Storage and Distribution
Symptoms of TTDs in Transfusion Recipients
| Disease | Common Symptoms | Onset After Transfusion |
|---|---|---|
| HIV/AIDS | Fever, weight loss, recurrent infections | Weeks to years |
| Hepatitis B & C | Jaundice, abdominal pain, fatigue | 1–6 months |
| Malaria | Fever, chills, sweating | Days to weeks |
| Syphilis | Fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes | 2–6 weeks |
Prevention of Transfusion-Transmitted Diseases
| Prevention Strategy | Details |
|---|---|
| Donor Screening | Comprehensive health history and deferral of high-risk donors. |
| Blood Testing | Use of NAT (Nucleic Acid Testing) and serology to detect infections. |
| Pathogen Reduction Technologies | Techniques like photochemical treatment to inactivate pathogens in blood components. |
| Proper Storage & Handling | Maintenance of sterile conditions and adherence to storage guidelines. |
How TTDs are Prevented
- Donor Screening: Donors are asked about their health and travel history to eliminate high-risk individuals.
- Blood Testing: Donated blood is tested for infections like HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C using advanced methods like NAT (Nucleic Acid Testing).
- Sterile Collection and Storage: Blood is processed and stored in sterile conditions to prevent contamination.
- Pathogen Reduction: Techniques are used to reduce or inactivate harmful pathogens in blood components.
Conclusion
Transfusion-transmitted diseases are a serious concern in transfusion medicine.
By implementing robust donor selection, advanced testing methods, and pathogen reduction technologies, the risk of TTDs can be significantly minimized, ensuring the safety of blood transfusions.