Dengue virus transmission from donor to recipient during haploidentical stem cell transplantation

Mobilization of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells during Dengue Virus Infection

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) mobilization is the movement of HSPCs from the bone marrow to the peripheral blood or tissue induced by stress. HSPC mobilization is a well-known response to protect the host during infection through urgent differentiation of HSPCs to immune cells. Dengue virus (DENV) infection is known to cause stress in infected humans and the mobilizing capacity of HSPCs during DENV infection in affected patients has not been fully investigated. Here, we investigated whether DENV infection can induce HSPC mobilization and if the mobilized HSPCs are permissive to DENV infection. White blood cells (WBCs) were collected from dengue patients (DENV+) and healthy donors and analyzed by flow cytometry and plaque assay. Elevated HSPCs levels were found in the WBCs of the DENV+ group when compared to the healthy group. Mobilization of HSPCs and homing markers (skin and gut) expression decreased as the patients proceeded from dengue without symptoms (DWoWS) to severe dengue (SD). Mobilizing HSPCs were not only permissive to DENV infection, but infectious DENV could be recovered after coculture. Our results highlight the need for further investigation into HSPC mobilization or alterations of hematopoiesis during viral infections such as DENV in order to develop appropriate countermeasures.

Transfusion-transmitted arboviruses: Update and systematic review

BACKGROUND

The detection of the first cases of transfusion-transmitted West Nile virus in 2002 posed a new challenge for transfusion safety. Institutions like the World Health Organization have stated that blood transfusion centers need to know the epidemiology of the different emerging infectious agents and their impact on blood transfusion. The aim of the study is to review the published cases of arbovirus transmission through transfusion of blood or blood components and to analyze their main clinical and epidemiological characteristics.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Systematic literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus. Pairs of review authors selected a variety of scientific publications reporting cases of transfusion-transmitted arboviruses. Main clinical and epidemiological characteristics were reviewed of the cases described. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO CRD42021270355.

RESULTS

A total of 74 cases of transfusion-transmitted infections were identified from 10 arboviruses: West Nile virus (n = 42), dengue virus (n = 18), Zika virus (n = 3), yellow fever vaccine virus (n = 3), tick-borne encephalitis virus (n = 2), Japanese encephalitis virus (n = 2), Powassan virus (n = 1), St. Louis encephalitis virus (n = 1), Ross River virus (n = 1) and Colorado tick fever virus (n = 1). The blood component most commonly involved was red blood cells (N = 35, 47.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 35.9% to 58.7%). In 54.1% (N = 40; 95% CI: 42.7%-65.47%) of the cases, the recipient was immunosuppressed. Transmission resulted in death in 18.9% (N = 14; 95% CI: 10.0%-27.8%) of the recipients. In addition, 18 additional arboviruses were identified with a potential threat to transfusion safety.

DISCUSSION

In the last 20 years, the number of published cases of transfusion-transmitted arboviruses increased notably, implicating new arboviruses. In addition, a significant number of arboviruses that may pose a threat to transfusion safety were detected. In the coming years, it is expected that transmission of arboviruses will continue to expand globally. It is therefore essential that all responsible agencies prepare for this potential threat to transfusion safety.