Blood transfusion and HIV infection. Current status in the world and Japan
Nishioka, K.
Rinsho Byori. Japanese Journal of Clinical Pathology Suppl 88: 183-194
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1860 PMID: 1856967 Document Number: 318560
Current status of HIV infection around the world suggests the following: Screening HIV antibodies in blood donors is the most promising for the prevention of transfusion associated infections. Besides blood donor screening, the availability of blood tests to be taken anonymously is essential for controlling silent or occult HIV infection. Red cell transfusion therapy with CR 1 rich erythrocyte for AIDS patients is also promising. In the US transfusion associated HIV infection decreased from 1988 to 1989 by 12% in adults and 39% in children, while that associated with other risk factors such as homosexual acts and IV drug use continued to increase. Rate of HIV antibody positive donors also decreased from 0.13 in 1985 to 0.013% in 1988 owing to education, counseling and screening. Surveillance for HIV-2 continues although no case was found during 1987-1989 investigations. as of 1989, the highest rate of AIDS patients in Europe was in France followed by Italy, Spain and Germany. HIV antibody positive donors drastically decreased in those countries from 0.062 in 1985 to 0.012 in 1989. In contrast, Eastern European nations have shown significant increases. Table II shows rates of HIV-1 and HIV-2 positive donors in Africa. In Asia 843 AIDS patients were recorded at the end of 1990. IV drug use and prostitution were main factors. HIV positive rate among 30 million tested in Japan since 1987 was 0.00018%. HIV antibody positive rate was 0./000487%, the highest rate being found in the Tokyo area. Transfusion therapy with CR 1 (c3b receptor) rich erythrocytes given every 2 months to 9 patients of carinii pneumonia resulted in the survival rate of 5.9 for more than 15 months, compared with 2/20 for 12 months for those who had occasional blood transfusions. Controls who received no transfusion therapy all died within 10 months. In 1990 heterosexuals are also found to be affected in Japan mostly through infected prostitutes.