Transfusion-associated acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in the United States
T. A. Peterman, H. W. Jaffe, P. M. Feorino, J. P. Getchell, D. T. Warfield, H. W. Haverkos, R. L. Stoneburner and J. W. Curran
By Aug 15, 1985, one hundred ninety-four cases of possible
transfusion-associated acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) had been
reported to the Centers for Disease Control. Cases received their
transfusions in 30 states. Infants account for 10% of the cases, suggesting
an increased susceptibility to developing AIDS. Investigations one to six
years after the transfusions have identified high-risk donors to 47 cases.
Of 47 high-risk donors tested, 40 had a reactive serology for human T-cell
lymphotropic virus type III/lymphadenopathy-associated virus (HTLV-III/LAV)
antibody, including five with no risk for AIDS by history. The HTLV-III/LAV
was isolated from 23 of 26 seroreactive high-risk donors, most of whom
remained asymptomatic. Blood components that transmitted HTLV-III/LAV
included red cells, platelets, plasma, and whole blood. The time from
transfusion to diagnosis of AIDS ranged from four to 84 months. The risk of
developing AIDS after a blood transfusion has been low and will be lowered
further by using both self-deferral and antibody screening.
