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Cox D. Sepsis - it is all about the platelets. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1210219. [PMID: 37350961 PMCID: PMC10282552 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1210219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is accompanied by thrombocytopenia and the severity of the thrombocytopenia is associated with mortality. This thrombocytopenia is characteristic of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), the sepsis-associated coagulopathy. Many of the pathogens, both bacterial and viral, that cause sepsis also directly activate platelets, which suggests that pathogen-induced platelet activation leads to systemic thrombosis and drives the multi-organ failure of DIC. In this paper we review the mechanisms of platelet activation by pathogens and the evidence for a role for anti-platelet agents in the management of sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dermot Cox
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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2
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Giménez-Richarte Á, Ortiz de Salazar MI, Giménez-Richarte MP, Collado M, Fernández PL, Clavijo C, Navarro L, Arbona C, Marco P, Ramos-Rincon JM. Transfusion-transmitted arboviruses: Update and systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010843. [PMID: 36201547 PMCID: PMC9578600 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
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. The transfusion of blood and blood components entails some risks and potential complications, chief among them the transmission of infectious agents. Organizations like the American Association of Blood Banks have warned of the risks posed by emerging and re-emerging viruses for transfusion safety and have classified transmission of several arboviruses as a high or very high risk to the transfusion of blood and blood components. Following recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO), this study aims to enable safe blood transfusion services, by making available the latest updated information of transfusion-transmitted arboviruses and comprehensive knowledge of the current epidemiology of reported cases. Research revealed case reports of transfusion transmission of 10 arboviruses, with West Nile virus and dengue virus as the most prevalent. Main clinical characteristics of reported cases were collected, including the type of blood component transfused and the state of immunosuppression of the recipient. Research also revealed 18 additional arboviruses with potential risk of transmission through other direct transmission routes. This systematic review provides an updated overview of the clinical characteristics of reported cases of transfusion-transmitted arboviruses. It is the most complete record published to date that assesses the risk posed by arboviruses to blood transfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Miriam Collado
- Valencian Community Blood Transfusion Center, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Carlos Clavijo
- Valencian Community Blood Transfusion Center, Valencia, Spain
| | - Laura Navarro
- Valencian Community Blood Transfusion Center, Valencia, Spain
| | - Cristina Arbona
- Valencian Community Blood Transfusion Center, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pascual Marco
- Service of Hematology, General- University Hospital of Alicante-ISABIAL. Alicante, Spain
- Clinical Medicine Department, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Jose-Manuel Ramos-Rincon
- Clinical Medicine Department, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, Alicante, Spain
- * E-mail: (AG-R); (J-MR-R)
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3
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Li T, Yang Y, Li Y, Wang Z, Ma F, Luo R, Xu X, Zhou G, Wang J, Niu J, Lv G, Crispe IN, Tu Z. Platelets mediate inflammatory monocyte activation by SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. J Clin Invest 2021; 132:150101. [PMID: 34964720 PMCID: PMC8843740 DOI: 10.1172/jci150101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, causes mild to moderate disease in most patients but carries a risk of morbidity and mortality. Seriously affected individuals manifest disorders of hemostasis and a cytokine storm, but it is not understood how these manifestations of severe COVID-19 are linked. Here, we showed that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein engaged the CD42b receptor to activate platelets via 2 distinct signaling pathways and promoted platelet-monocyte communication through the engagement of P selectin/PGSL-1 and CD40L/CD40, which led to proinflammatory cytokine production by monocytes. These results explain why hypercoagulation, monocyte activation, and a cytokine storm are correlated in patients severely affected by COVID-19 and suggest a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyang Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yongqi Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhengmin Wang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Faxiang Ma
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Runqi Luo
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoming Xu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guo Zhou
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junqi Niu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Guoyue Lv
- Institute of Liver Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Ian N. Crispe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Zhengkun Tu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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4
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Balakrishna Pillai AK, Chu JJH, Mariappan V, JeanPierre AR. Platelets in the pathogenesis of flavivirus disease. Curr Opin Virol 2021; 52:220-228. [PMID: 34968791 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Research on the role of platelets in modulating innate and adaptive host immune responses has gaining importance in the last two decades. Since the virus can directly interact with platelet receptors and modulate the host immune response, understanding the role of platelets in viral pathogenesis would pave way for novel therapeutic means. The present review aims at presenting the important molecular aspects of platelet-flavivirus interactions and how it leads to platelet activation, thrombocytopenia, and vascular endothelial leakage. Besides, the role of some of the platelet-derived factors as biomarkers for the early prediction of disease outcome taking dengue infection as an example is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agiesh Kumar Balakrishna Pillai
- Central Inter-Disciplinary Research Facility (CIDRF), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Puducherry, 607402, India.
| | - Justin Jang Hann Chu
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117545, Singapore; Infectious Disease Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117597, Singapore; Collaborative and Translation Unit for HFMD, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 138673, Singapore
| | - Vignesh Mariappan
- Central Inter-Disciplinary Research Facility (CIDRF), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Puducherry, 607402, India
| | - Aashika Raagavi JeanPierre
- Central Inter-Disciplinary Research Facility (CIDRF), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Puducherry, 607402, India
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5
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Lien TS, Chan H, Sun DS, Wu JC, Lin YY, Lin GL, Chang HH. Exposure of Platelets to Dengue Virus and Envelope Protein Domain III Induces Nlrp3 Inflammasome-Dependent Platelet Cell Death and Thrombocytopenia in Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 12:616394. [PMID: 33995345 PMCID: PMC8118162 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.616394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In tropical and subtropical regions, mosquito-borne dengue virus (DENV) infections can lead to severe dengue, also known as dengue hemorrhage fever, which causes bleeding, thrombocytopenia, and blood plasma leakage and increases mortality. Although DENV-induced platelet cell death was linked to disease severity, the role of responsible viral factors and the elicitation mechanism of abnormal platelet activation and cell death remain unclear. DENV and virion-surface envelope protein domain III (EIII), a cellular binding moiety of the virus particle, highly increase during the viremia stage. Our previous report suggested that exposure to such viremia EIII levels can lead to cell death of endothelial cells, neutrophils, and megakaryocytes. Here we found that both DENV and EIII could induce abnormal platelet activation and predominantly necrotic cell death pyroptosis. Blockages of EIII-induced platelet signaling using the competitive inhibitor chondroitin sulfate B or selective Nlrp3 inflammasome inhibitors OLT1177 and Z-WHED-FMK markedly ameliorated DENV- and EIII-induced thrombocytopenia, platelet activation, and cell death. These results suggest that EIII could be considered as a virulence factor of DENV, and that Nlrp3 inflammasome is a feasible target for developing therapeutic approaches against dengue-induced platelet defects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hsin-Hou Chang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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6
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Lien TS, Sun DS, Wu CY, Chang HH. Exposure to Dengue Envelope Protein Domain III Induces Nlrp3 Inflammasome-Dependent Endothelial Dysfunction and Hemorrhage in Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 12:617251. [PMID: 33717109 PMCID: PMC7947687 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.617251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Typically occurring during secondary dengue virus (DENV) infections, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) causes abnormal immune responses, as well as endothelial vascular dysfunction, for which the responsible viral factor remains unclear. During peak viremia, the plasma levels of virion-associated envelope protein domain III (EIII) increases to a point at which cell death is sufficiently induced in megakaryocytes in vitro. Thus, EIII may constitute a virulence factor for endothelial damage. In this study, we examined endothelial cell death induced by treatment with DENV and EIII in vitro. Notably, pyroptosis, the major type of endothelial cell death observed, was attenuated through treatment with Nlrp3 inflammasome inhibitors. EIII injection effectively induced endothelial abnormalities, and sequential injection of EIII and DENV-NS1 autoantibodies induced further vascular damage, liver dysfunction, thrombocytopenia, and hemorrhage, which are typical manifestations in DHF. Under the same treatments, pathophysiological changes in the Nlrp3 inflammasome–deficient mice were notably reduced compared with those in the wild-type mice. These results suggest that the Nlrp3 inflammasome constitutes a potential therapeutic target for treating DENV-induced hemorrhage in DHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te-Sheng Lien
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Der-Shan Sun
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yeu Wu
- Center for Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hou Chang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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Raadsen M, Du Toit J, Langerak T, van Bussel B, van Gorp E, Goeijenbier M. Thrombocytopenia in Virus Infections. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10040877. [PMID: 33672766 PMCID: PMC7924611 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Thrombocytopenia, which signifies a low platelet count usually below 150 × 109/L, is a common finding following or during many viral infections. In clinical medicine, mild thrombocytopenia, combined with lymphopenia in a patient with signs and symptoms of an infectious disease, raises the suspicion of a viral infection. This phenomenon is classically attributed to platelet consumption due to inflammation-induced coagulation, sequestration from the circulation by phagocytosis and hypersplenism, and impaired platelet production due to defective megakaryopoiesis or cytokine-induced myelosuppression. All these mechanisms, while plausible and supported by substantial evidence, regard platelets as passive bystanders during viral infection. However, platelets are increasingly recognized as active players in the (antiviral) immune response and have been shown to interact with cells of the innate and adaptive immune system as well as directly with viruses. These findings can be of interest both for understanding the pathogenesis of viral infectious diseases and predicting outcome. In this review, we will summarize and discuss the literature currently available on various mechanisms within the relationship between thrombocytopenia and virus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthijs Raadsen
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Doctor molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (M.R.); (T.L.); (E.v.G.)
| | - Justin Du Toit
- Department of Haematology, Wits University Donald Gordon Medical Centre Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2041, South Africa;
| | - Thomas Langerak
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Doctor molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (M.R.); (T.L.); (E.v.G.)
| | - Bas van Bussel
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center Plus, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, 6229 GT Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Eric van Gorp
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Doctor molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (M.R.); (T.L.); (E.v.G.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Goeijenbier
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Doctor molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (M.R.); (T.L.); (E.v.G.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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8
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Portier I, Campbell RA. Role of Platelets in Detection and Regulation of Infection. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 41:70-78. [PMID: 33115274 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.314645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Platelets are classically known as essential mediators of hemostasis and thrombosis. However, in recent years, platelets have gained recognition for their inflammatory functions, which modulate the immune response during infectious diseases. Platelets contain various immunoreceptors that enable them to act as sentinels to recognize intravascular pathogens. Upon activation, platelets directly limit pathogen growth through the release of AMPs (antimicrobial proteins) and ensure pathogen clearance through activation of immune cells. However, aberrant platelet activation can lead to inflammation and thrombotic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Portier
- University of Utah Molecular Medicine Program, Salt Lake City (I.P., R.A.C.)
| | - Robert A Campbell
- University of Utah Molecular Medicine Program, Salt Lake City (I.P., R.A.C.).,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City (R.A.C.)
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Hsu AY, Ho TC, Lai ML, Tan SS, Chen TY, Lee M, Chien YW, Chen YP, Perng GC. Identification and characterization of permissive cells to dengue virus infection in human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Transfusion 2019; 59:2938-2951. [PMID: 31251408 DOI: 10.1111/trf.15416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dengue virus (DENV) is a significant threat to public health in tropical and subtropical regions, where the frequency of human migration is increasing. Transmission of DENV from donors to recipients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been steadily described. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Freshly isolated bone marrow (BM) was subjected to DENV infection, followed by multicolor fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. Virus in supernatants was collected and analyzed by plaque assay. RESULTS DENV-1 to DENV-4 could effectively infect freshly obtained BM and produced infectious virus. DENV infection did not change the quantitative population of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), megakaryocytic progenitor cells (MkPs) and megakaryocytes. Additionally, DENV antigen, nonstructural protein 1, was enriched in HSPCs and MkPs of DENV infected marrow cells. CD34+, CD133+, or CD61+ cells sorted out from BM were not only the major contributing targets facilitating the DENV infection directly but also facilitated the spread of DENV into other cells when cocultured. CONCLUSION Results suggest that DENV can efficiently infect HSPCs, which might jeopardize the recipients if DENV-infected cells were subsequently used. We therefore raise the need for DENV screening for both the donors and recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, especially for donors exposed to endemic areas, to mitigate DENV infection in immunocompromised recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Y Hsu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Tzu-Chuan Ho
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Ling Lai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sia Seng Tan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Yun Chen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Meed Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wen Chien
- Departement of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ping Chen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Guey Chuen Perng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Waldvogel-Abramowski S, Taleb S, Alessandrini M, Preynat-Seauve O. Viral Metagenomics of Blood Donors and Blood-Derived Products Using Next-Generation Sequencing. Transfus Med Hemother 2019; 46:87-93. [PMID: 31191194 DOI: 10.1159/000499088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfusion-transmitted infections remain a permanent threat in medicine. It keeps the burden of the past, marked by serious infections transmitted by transfusion, and is constantly threatened by emerging viruses. The global rise of immunosuppression among patients undergoing frequent transfusions exacerbates this problem. Over the past decade, criteria for donor selection have become increasingly more stringent. Although routine nucleic acid testing (NAT) for virus-specific detection has become more sensitive, these safety measures are only valuable for a limited number of select viruses. The scientific approach to this is however changing, with the goal of trying to identify infectious agents in donor units as early as possible to mitigate the risk of a clinically relevant infection. To this end, and in addition to an epidemiological surveillance of the general population, researchers are adopting new methods to discover emerging infectious agents, while simultaneously screening for an extended number of viruses in donors. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers the opportunity to explore the entire viral landscape in blood donors, the so-called metagenomics, to investigate severe transfusion reactions of unknown etiology. In the not too distant future, one could imagine this platform being used for routine testing of donated blood products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Waldvogel-Abramowski
- Laboratory of Immunohematology, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Diagnostics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Blood Transfusion Center, Department of Medical Specialties, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sofiane Taleb
- Laboratory of Clinical Biology, Foch University Hospitals, Suresnes, France
| | - Marco Alessandrini
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Preynat-Seauve
- Laboratory of Therapy and Stem Cells, Department of Diagnostics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Medical Specialties of internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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