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van den Berg K, Murphy EL, Maartens G, Louw VJ, Grebe E. The impact of non-disclosure of HIV status and antiretroviral therapy on HIV recency testing and incidence algorithms. Vox Sang 2024; 119:581-589. [PMID: 38622931 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Accurate HIV incidence estimates among blood donors are necessary to assess the effectiveness of programs aimed at limiting transfusion-transmitted HIV. We assessed the impact of undisclosed HIV status and antiretroviral (ARV) use on HIV recency and incidence estimates using increasingly comprehensive recent infection testing algorithms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using 2017 donation data from first-time and lapsed donors, we populated four HIV recency algorithms: (1) serology and limiting-antigen avidity testing, (2) with individual donation nucleic amplification testing (ID-NAT) added to Algorithm 1, (3) with viral load added to Algorithm 2 and (4) with ARV testing added to Algorithm 3. Algorithm-specific mean durations of recent infection (MDRI) and false recency rates (FRR) were calculated and used to derive and compare incidence estimates. RESULTS Compared with Algorithm 4, progressive algorithms misclassified fewer donors as recent: Algorithm 1: 61 (12.1%); Algorithm 2: 14 (2.8%) and Algorithm 3: 3 (0.6%). Algorithm-specific MDRI and FRR values resulted in marginally lower incidence estimates: Algorithm 1: 0.19% per annum (p.a.) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13%-0.26%); Algorithm 2: 0.18% p.a. (95% CI: 0.13%-0.22%); Algorithm 3: 0.17% p.a. (95% CI: 0.13%-0.22%) and Algorithm 4: 0.17% p.a. (95% CI: 0.13%-0.21%). CONCLUSION We confirmed significant misclassification of recent HIV cases when not including viral load and ARV testing. Context-specific MDRI and FRR resulted in progressively lower incidence estimates but did not fully account for the context-specific variability in incidence modelling. The inclusion of ARV testing, in addition to viral load and ID-NAT testing, did not have a significant impact on incidence estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin van den Berg
- Medical Division, South African National Blood Service, Roodepoort, South Africa
- Division of Clinical Haematology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Clinical Haematology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Edward L Murphy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Gary Maartens
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vernon J Louw
- Division of Clinical Haematology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Eduard Grebe
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
- Eduard Grebe Consulting, Cape Town, South Africa
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2
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Lewin A, Goldman M, Busch MP, Davison K, van de Laar T, Tiberghien P, Shinar E, O'Brien SF, Lambert G, Field S, Hervig T, Tan DHS, Custer B, Drews SJ, Lanteri MC, Klochkov D, Widmer E, Domingue MP, Renaud C, Germain M. End of selection criteria based on sexual orientation: An international symposium on alternatives to donation deferral. Vox Sang 2024; 119:388-401. [PMID: 38270352 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Until recently, gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) were deferred from donating blood for 3-12 months since the last male-to-male sexual contact. This MSM deferral has been discontinued by several high-income countries (HIC) that now perform gender-neutral donor selection. MATERIALS AND METHODS An international symposium (held on 20-04-2023) gathered experts from seven HICs to (1) discuss how this paradigm shift might affect the mitigation strategies for transfusion-transmitted infections and (2) address the challenges related to gender-neutral donor selection. RESULTS Most countries employed a similar approach for implementing a gender-neutral donor selection policy: key stakeholders were consulted; the transition was bridged by time-limited deferrals; donor compliance was monitored; and questions or remarks on anal sex and the number and/or type of sexual partners were often added. Many countries have now adopted a gender-neutral approach in which questions on pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been added (or retained, when already in place). Other countries used mitigation strategies, such as plasma quarantine or pathogen reduction technologies for plasma and/or platelets. CONCLUSION The experience with gender-neutral donor selection has been largely positive among the countries covered herein and seems to be acceptable to stakeholders, donors and staff. The post-implementation surveillance data collected so far appear reassuring with regards to safety, although longer observation periods are necessary. The putative risks associated with HIV antiretrovirals should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Lewin
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Montréal and Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mindy Goldman
- Donation Policy and Studies, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael P Busch
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California in San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Katy Davison
- NHS Blood and Transplant/UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Epidemiology Unit, UKHSA, London, UK
| | - Thijs van de Laar
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pierre Tiberghien
- Établissement Français du Sang, La Plaine Saint Denis, France
- UMR 1098, Inserm, Établissement Français du Sang, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Eilat Shinar
- National Blood Services, Magen David Adom, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sheila F O'Brien
- Epidemiology and Surveillance, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gilles Lambert
- Direction régionale de santé publique - Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Stephen Field
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tor Hervig
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland
| | - Darrell H S Tan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian Custer
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California in San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Steven J Drews
- Donation Policy and Studies, Canadian Blood Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marion C Lanteri
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California in San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Scientific Affairs, Creative Testing Solutions, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Denis Klochkov
- Research and Development, CSL Behring, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Marie-Pier Domingue
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Montréal and Québec, Quebec, Canada
- Faculté des Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Christian Renaud
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Montréal and Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marc Germain
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Montréal and Québec, Quebec, Canada
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Nishiya A, Salles N, de Almeida-Neto C, Ferreira S, Nogueira F, Rocha V, Mendrone-Júnior A. Detection of unreported usage of the antiretroviral drug lamivudine in two blood donors. Transfusion 2023; 63:2106-2113. [PMID: 37702479 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unreported HIV antiretroviral (ARV) drug usage by blood donors compromises the ability to detect evidence of HIV infection in blood screening tests and represents a risk for blood transfusion safety. Our objective was to determine the frequency of undeclared ARV drug use by blood donors with altered HIV markers. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS This was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of donations that were tested for HIV antibody (ab), antigen (ag), and RNA by chemiluminescent immunoassay and nucleic acid screening tests. Positive samples were retested and were subjected to ARV drug testing by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS Of 345,252 blood donations, 361 (0.1%) were positive on initial testing. Samples from 296 (81.9%) of these donations were available for further analysis. The presence of HIV ab/ag and/or RNA was confirmed in 83 (28.0%) of these samples. All 296 bloods were subjected to ARV testing. The ARV drug lamivudine, at 11.3 and 6.7 ng/mL, was detected in 2 of 83 (2.4%) donations that were HIV positive. Other drugs were not detected. CONCLUSION Unreported ARV usage was identified in two candidates for blood donation. More intensive efforts to educate donors about disclosure and to investigate the extent of this phenomenon in Brazil are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nishiya
- Fundação Pró-Sangue Hemocentro de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and targeted therapy in Oncoimmunohematology (LIM-31), Department of Hematology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nanci Salles
- Fundação Pró-Sangue Hemocentro de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cesar de Almeida-Neto
- Fundação Pró-Sangue Hemocentro de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Disciplina de Ciências Médicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Suzete Ferreira
- Fundação Pró-Sangue Hemocentro de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and targeted therapy in Oncoimmunohematology (LIM-31), Department of Hematology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fátima Nogueira
- Fundação Pró-Sangue Hemocentro de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanderson Rocha
- Fundação Pró-Sangue Hemocentro de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and targeted therapy in Oncoimmunohematology (LIM-31), Department of Hematology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Disciplina de Ciências Médicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Churchill Hospital, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Alfredo Mendrone-Júnior
- Fundação Pró-Sangue Hemocentro de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and targeted therapy in Oncoimmunohematology (LIM-31), Department of Hematology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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4
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Bloch EM, Busch MP, Corash LM, Dodd R, Hailu B, Kleinman S, O'Brien S, Petersen L, Stramer SL, Katz L. Leveraging Donor Populations to Study the Epidemiology and Pathogenesis of Transfusion-Transmitted and Emerging Infectious Diseases. Transfus Med Rev 2023; 37:150769. [PMID: 37919210 PMCID: PMC10841704 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2023.150769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The tragedy of transfusion-associated hepatitis and HIV spurred a decades-long overhaul of the regulatory oversight and practice of blood transfusion. Consequent to improved donor selection, testing, process control, clinical transfusion practice and post-transfusion surveillance, transfusion in the United States and other high-income countries is now a very safe medical procedure. Nonetheless, pathogens continue to emerge and threaten the blood supply, highlighting the need for a proactive approach to blood transfusion safety. Blood donor populations and the global transfusion infrastructure are under-utilized resources for the study of infectious diseases. Blood donors are large, demographically diverse subsets of general populations for whom cross-sectional and longitudinal samples are readily accessible for serological and molecular testing. Blood donor collection networks span diverse geographies, including in low- and middle-income countries, where agents, especially zoonotic pathogens, are able to emerge and spread, given limited tools for recognition, surveillance and control. Routine laboratory storage and transportation, coupled with data capture, afford access to rich epidemiological data to assess the epidemiology and pathogenesis of established and emerging infections. Subsequent to the State of the Science in Transfusion Medicine symposium in 2022, our working group (WG), "Emerging Infections: Impact on Blood Science, the Blood Supply, Blood Safety, and Public Health" elected to focus on "leveraging donor populations to study the epidemiology and pathogenesis of transfusion-transmitted and emerging infectious diseases." The 5 landmark studies span (1) the implication of hepatitis C virus in post-transfusion hepatitis, (2) longitudinal evaluation of plasma donors with incident infections, thus informing the development of a widely used staging system for acute HIV infection, (3) explication of the dynamics of early West Nile Virus infection, (4) the deployment of combined molecular and serological donor screening for Babesia microti, to characterize its epidemiology and infectivity and facilitate routine donor screening, and (5) national serosurveillance for SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The studies highlight the interplay between infectious diseases and transfusion medicine, including the imperative to ensure blood transfusion safety and the broader application of blood donor populations to the study of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan M Bloch
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Michael P Busch
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Laurence M Corash
- Cerus Corporation, Concord, CA, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Roger Dodd
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Benyam Hailu
- Division of Blood Diseases Research, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Sheila O'Brien
- Canadian Blood Services, Epidemiology and Surveillance, Microbiology, Ottawa, ON, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lyle Petersen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Susan L Stramer
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Louis Katz
- ImpactLife Blood Services, Davenport, IA, USA
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5
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Hughes SD, France CL, West-Mitchell KA, Pina T, McElfresh D, Sayers M, Bryant BJ. Advancing Understandings of Blood Donation Motivation and Behavior. Transfus Med Rev 2023; 37:150780. [PMID: 37996288 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2023.150780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we provide critical analysis of social science research into blood donation motivation and behavior. We first share an understanding of the existing literature and recommendations for future research collectively developed by members of the Working Group on Blood Donors and the Supply: Diversifying while Maintaining the Donor Pool, Donor Selection, and Optimizing Blood Availability and Safety, as part of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's 2022 State of the Science in Transfusion Medicine symposium. Then, rather than aim for a comprehensive treatment, we review 4 newer manuscripts that exemplify aspects of the group's recommendations and report results from countries where the blood supply is based on voluntary, nonremunerated donations. From the substantial existing literature, we selected: (1) a study that employed motivational interviewing techniques, thematic analysis, and surveys to link donation motivations and barriers reported by diverse young donors in the United States to actual donation behavior over a year of subsequent eligibility; (2) a survey regarding donation motivations and barriers and monetary amounts associated with willingness to participate in whole blood, plasma, or platelet collection; (3) a survey-based assessment of various emotional states reported by donors at 2 time points during donation and the relationship between emotional experience and subsequent vasovagal reactions; and (4) an interpretive discourse analysis of blood collection agency messaging to donors and the public in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We close by noting several challenges posed by the structure of the United States blood system and the current funding environment to conducting rigorous research and translating findings into practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shana D Hughes
- Vitalant Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | | | - Kamille A West-Mitchell
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, NIH Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Theresa Pina
- Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Duncan McElfresh
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; US Department of Veterans Affairs, Program Evaluation Resource Center, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Merlyn Sayers
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Carter BloodCare, Bedford, TX, USA
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6
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Custer B, Whitaker BI, Pollack LM, Buccheri R, Bruhn RL, Crowder LA, Stramer SL, Reik RA, Pandey S, Stone M, Di Germanio C, Buchacz K, Eder AF, Lu Y, Forshee RA, Anderson SA, Marks PW. HIV risk behavior profiles among men who have sex with men interested in donating blood: Findings from the Assessing Donor Variability and New Concepts in Eligibility study. Transfusion 2023; 63:1872-1884. [PMID: 37642154 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individual risk assessment allows donors to be evaluated based on their own behaviors. Study objectives were to assess human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors in men who have sex with men (MSM) and estimate the proportion of the study population who would not be deferred for higher risk HIV sexual behaviors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Cross-sectional survey and biomarker assessment were conducted in eight U.S. cities. Participants were sexually active MSM interested in blood donation aged 18-39 years, assigned male sex at birth. Participants completed surveys during two study visits to define eligibility, and self-reported sexual and HIV prevention behaviors. Blood was drawn at study visit 1 and tested for HIV and the presence of tenofovir, one of the drugs in oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Associations were assessed between HIV infection status or HIV PrEP use and behaviors, including sex partners, new partners, and anal sex. RESULTS A total of 1566 MSM completed the visit 1 questionnaire and blood draw and 1197 completed the visit 2 questionnaire. Among 1562 persons without HIV, 789 (50.4%) were not taking PrEP. Of those not taking PrEP, 66.2% reported one sexual partner or no anal sex and 69% reported no new sexual partners or no anal sex with a new partner in the past 3 months. CONCLUSION The study found that questions were able to identify sexually active, HIV-negative MSM who report lower risk sexual behaviors. About a quarter of enrolled study participants would be potentially eligible blood donors using individual risk assessment questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Custer
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Barbee I Whitaker
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Lance M Pollack
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Renata Buccheri
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Roberta L Bruhn
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lauren A Crowder
- American Red Cross, Scientific Affairs, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Susan L Stramer
- American Red Cross, Scientific Affairs, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Suchitra Pandey
- Stanford Blood Center & Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Mars Stone
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Clara Di Germanio
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kate Buchacz
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HIV Research Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anne F Eder
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Yun Lu
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard A Forshee
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven A Anderson
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter W Marks
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
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7
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Maddox V, Vallely P, Brailsford SR, Harvala H. Virological safety of the UK blood supply in the era of individual risk assessments and HIV PrEP. Transfus Med 2023; 33:372-378. [PMID: 37668150 DOI: 10.1111/tme.12993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
A more individualised donor selection policy was implemented in the UK in 2021, which replaced the previous 3-month deferral for men who have sex with men (MSM). Other blood services have a variety of policies in place to ensure the virological safety of blood components, ranging from an indefinite ban on MSM, to a defined period of exclusion, or to an individualised risk assessment that is not based on gender or sexual orientation. Justification of these policies should be based on scientific evidence including assessment of lengths of virological window periods, infectious disease epidemiology within donor populations and donation screening assay sensitivities. Developments in molecular technology and assays which can detect both antibodies and antigens in the very early stages of infection have significantly reduced the risk in most developed countries. However, the increasing usage of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent acquisition of HIV infection after possible high-risk sexual contact within the UK blood donor population has been recently noted. It has brought with it new diagnostic challenges within blood screening, notably possible non-detection of HIV RNA and serological markers following PrEP use despite potential infectivity. The use of other testing strategies such as detection of HIV DNA and screening for non-declared PrEP usage should be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pamela Vallely
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics Science, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Heli Harvala
- Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, UK
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Schroyens N, Borra V, Compernolle V, Vandekerckhove P, De Buck E. Men who have sex with men and risk for transfusion-transmissible infections in blood donors in Western countries: A systematic review update. Vox Sang 2023; 118:709-720. [PMID: 37322809 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES This systematic review update summarizes evidence concerning transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) in male blood donors reporting sex with another man (MSM) or after easing the MSM deferral period. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched five databases, including studies comparing MSM versus non-MSM donors (Type I), MSM deferral periods (Type II) or infected versus non-infected donors (Type III) in Western countries, and used GRADE to determine evidence certainty. RESULTS Twenty-five observational studies were included. Four Type I studies suggest that there may be an increased risk for overall TTIs, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and syphilis in MSM donors, but the evidence is very uncertain. There was insufficient evidence of MSM with low-risk sexual behaviour. A Type II study indicates that easing the MSM deferral period to 1 year may have little to no effect on TTI risk. TTI prevalence in blood donors under 5-year, 1-year, 3-month or risk-based deferral in eight other Type II studies was too low to provide clear conclusions on the effect of easing the deferral. Three Type III studies reported that MSM may be a risk factor for HIV. Increased risk of HBV, hepatitis C virus and HTLV-I/II could not be shown. The evidence from Type III studies is very uncertain. CONCLUSION There may be an increased risk of HIV in MSM blood donors. Shortening the deferral from permanent to 1 year may have little to no effect on TTI risk. However, there is limited, unclear evidence from observational studies concerning the impact of introducing 3-month or risk-based deferrals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Schroyens
- Centre for Evidence-Based Practice, Belgian Red Cross, Mechelen, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vere Borra
- Centre for Evidence-Based Practice, Belgian Red Cross, Mechelen, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Compernolle
- Belgian Red Cross, Blood Services, Mechelen, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Philippe Vandekerckhove
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Belgian Red Cross, Mechelen, Belgium
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Emmy De Buck
- Centre for Evidence-Based Practice, Belgian Red Cross, Mechelen, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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9
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Gahan L, Seed CR, Hammoud MA, Prestage G, Hoad VC, Kaldor JM. Perceived risk of HIV transmission by blood transfusion among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) in Australia. Transfusion 2023; 63:1528-1537. [PMID: 37300281 PMCID: PMC10953370 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Australia, men who have sex with men (MSM) are deferred from blood donation for 3 months from last sexual contact. Internationally, deferral policies for MSM are evolving in the direction of expanded inclusivity in response to community expectations. To inform future policy options, we assessed perceptions of the risk of HIV transmission from blood transfusion among Australian MSM. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Flux is an online prospective cohort of Australian gay and bisexual men (cis or trans, regardless of their sexual history) and other men who have had sex with men (gbMSM). We included questions on blood donation rules, window period (WP) duration, infectivity of blood from people with HIV on treatment and attitudes to more detailed questioning of sexual practices in the regular survey of Flux participants and conducted a descriptive analysis of responses. RESULTS Of 716 Flux participants in 2019, 703 responded to the blood donation questions. The mean age was 43.7 years (SD 13.6 years). Overall, 74% were willing to confidentially respond to specific sexual behavior questions, such as the last time they had sex and the type of sex they had, in order to be considered eligible to donate blood. The majority (92%) of participants correctly assessed the duration of the WP as less than 1 month. When asked whether transfusion of blood from a donor with HIV and an undetectable viral load could transmit HIV, just under half (48%) correctly said yes. CONCLUSION Our study suggests Australian gbMSM are generally comfortable with answering more detailed questions regarding sexual activity during the assessment to donate, indicating they would do so honestly. gbMSM are knowledgeable about the WP duration, important for their ability to correctly self-assess their HIV risk. However, half of participants incorrectly assessed the transmissibility by blood transfusion from an HIV positive person with an undetectable viral load, suggesting the need for a targeted education campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Gahan
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Clive R. Seed
- Australian Red Cross LifebloodMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Mohamed A. Hammoud
- Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Garrett Prestage
- Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - John M. Kaldor
- Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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10
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Leblanc JF, Custer B, Van de Laar T, Drews SJ, Germain M, Lewin A. HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, Blood Donor Deferral, Occult Infection, and Risk of HIV Transmission by Transfusion: A Fine Balance Between Evidence-Based Donor Selection Criteria and Transfusion Safety. Transfus Med Rev 2023; 37:150754. [PMID: 37741792 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2023.150754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Pre- and postexposure prophylaxis for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are key to reducing the transmission of this virus. Furthermore, low-toxicity, long-acting formulations provide additional clinical benefits, in particular easier adherence to treatment and prevention. However, breakthrough HIV infections can occur despite the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), mainly due to suboptimal adherence or multi-drug resistant HIV strains. Albeit rare, PrEP breakthrough infections have also been reported in fully adherent patients. Should such breakthrough infection occur in an eligible blood donor, PrEP might suppress viremia and delay antibody seroconversion, thereby masking the infection and increasing the risk of transfusion transmission. This possibility has raised concerns in the blood transfusion community but remains little documented. Therefore, a literature search was performed to assess the state of knowledge on the risk of PrEP breakthrough infection, with a particular focus on the risk of HIV entering the blood supply. Evidently, PrEP breakthrough infections are rare, although the risk is not zero. Moreover, a fraction of individuals - including blood donors - do not disclose PrEP use according to various surveys and measurements of HIV PrEP analytes. Additionally, viremia and seroconversion may remain undetectable or close to the limit of detection for a long time after cessation of PrEP, particularly with long-acting antiretrovirals. Therefore, current recommendations to defer donors for at least 3 months after the last dose of oral PrEP or 2 years for long-acting PrEP appear justified, as they safeguard the blood supply and public trust toward the system. These recommendations help to safeguard blood safety and public trust in the blood supply.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian Custer
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thijs Van de Laar
- Sanquin Research, Department of Donor Medicine Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Steven J Drews
- Microbiology, Donation Policy and Studies, Canadian Blood Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marc Germain
- Hema-Québec, Medical Affairs and Innovation, Montréal and Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Antoine Lewin
- Hema-Québec, Medical Affairs and Innovation, Montréal and Québec, Québec, Canada; Université de Sherbrooke, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
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11
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Sosa-Jurado F, Palencia-Lara R, Xicoténcatl-Grijalva C, Bernal-Soto M, Montiel-Jarquin Á, Ibarra-Pichardo Y, Rosas-Murrieta NH, Lira R, Cortes-Hernandez P, Santos-López G. Donated Blood Screening for HIV, HCV and HBV by ID-NAT and the Residual Risk of Iatrogenic Transmission in a Tertiary Care Hospital Blood Bank in Puebla, Mexico. Viruses 2023; 15:1331. [PMID: 37376630 DOI: 10.3390/v15061331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be transmitted by blood transfusion. Most transmission occurs during the acute viremic phase (AVP), before antibody development. To reduce transmission risk, individual donor nucleic acid testing (ID-NAT) is used. In Puebla, Mexico, serological tests and ID-NAT have been applied to screen blood donors and detect individuals in AVP. In the present study, 106,125 blood donors' data in two periods (2012-2015 and 2017-2019) were analyzed. The residual risk (RR) values were calculated considering ID-NAT results. The RR for HIV was 14 in 1 million donations or 1 in 71,428, the RR for HVC was 6.8 in 1 million donations or 1 in 147,058 and, for HBV, it was 156 in 1 million donations, or 1 in 6410. Previously, it was predicted that the transmission RR of these viruses would be reduced in Mexico through better screening with NAT. The use of ID-NAT has, indeed, increased the safety of blood reserves for HIV and HCV. However, more research is needed to determine why the residual risk of HBV did not decrease as much over the study period. ID-NAT is an important complementary tool for blood donor screening that should be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Sosa-Jurado
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Virología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Oriente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Metepec, Atlixco, Puebla 74360, CP, Mexico
| | - Roxana Palencia-Lara
- Banco de Sangre, Hospital Especialidades, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Centro Médico Nacional General de División Manuel Ávila Camacho, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Puebla, Puebla 72000, CP, Mexico
| | - Cinthia Xicoténcatl-Grijalva
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Virología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Oriente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Metepec, Atlixco, Puebla 74360, CP, Mexico
| | - Maribel Bernal-Soto
- Banco de Sangre, Hospital Especialidades, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Centro Médico Nacional General de División Manuel Ávila Camacho, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Puebla, Puebla 72000, CP, Mexico
| | - Álvaro Montiel-Jarquin
- Coordinación Clínica de Investigación y Enseñanza en Salud, Hospital Especialidades, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Centro Médico Nacional General de División Manuel Ávila Camacho, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Puebla, Puebla 72000, CP, Mexico
| | - Yolanda Ibarra-Pichardo
- Banco de Sangre, Hospital Especialidades, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Centro Médico Nacional General de División Manuel Ávila Camacho, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Puebla, Puebla 72000, CP, Mexico
| | - Nora Hilda Rosas-Murrieta
- Centro de Química, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Puebla 72570, CP, Mexico
| | - Rosalia Lira
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, UMAE Hospital de Pediatría, CMN Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, MX, Mexico
| | - Paulina Cortes-Hernandez
- Laboratorio de Metadinámica y Salud de Poblaciones, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Oriente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Metepec 74360, MX, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Santos-López
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Virología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Oriente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Metepec, Atlixco, Puebla 74360, CP, Mexico
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12
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Maddox V, Reynolds C, Amara A, Else L, Brailsford SR, Khoo S, Harvala H. Undeclared pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) use among syphilis-positive blood donors, England, 2020 to 2021. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2300135. [PMID: 36927721 PMCID: PMC10021473 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.11.2300135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
An individualised blood donor selection policy was implemented in the United Kingdom from summer 2021. We have investigated the impact of this policy by comparing the extent of undeclared use of HIV pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) before and after this change. The rate of PrEP usage in syphilis-positive male blood donors has not changed since individualised donor assessment was implemented but provides continuing evidence of undisclosed PrEP use which may be associated with current or past higher-risk sexual behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Maddox
- Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Reynolds
- NHS Blood and Transplant/UK Health Security Agency Epidemiology Unit, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alieu Amara
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Else
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Susan R Brailsford
- Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom.,NHS Blood and Transplant/UK Health Security Agency Epidemiology Unit, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom.,National Infection Service, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Saye Khoo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Heli Harvala
- Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom.,Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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13
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van den Berg K, Murphy EL, Louw VJ, Maartens G, Hughes SD. Motivations for blood donation by HIV-positive individuals on antiretrovirals in South Africa: A qualitative study. Transfus Med 2023. [PMID: 36799902 PMCID: PMC10403373 DOI: 10.1111/tme.12957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We performed a mixed-methods study to explore the motivations associated with blood donation by donors with known, but undisclosed HIV-positive status and ARV use (HIV+/ARV+), seeking potential strategies to reduce such donations and mitigate risk for blood recipients. Here, we report predominantly the qualitative component. BACKGROUND A safe and sustainable blood supply is dependent in part, on effective pre-donation donor assessment. We previously described failure by HIV+/ARV+ blood donors to disclose their status. Such donations may lead to transfusion-transmitted HIV. METHODS The social ecological model provided the conceptual framework for this study. Previously identified HIV+/ARV+ donors were invited to complete a survey (including a validated stigma scale) and qualitative interview, which underwent inductive and deductive thematic analysis. RESULTS We uncovered two primary motivational paths to HIV+/ARV+ blood donations: privacy and altruism. The latter included a motivation not previously reported in the literature: donating specifically for other people living with HIV (PLWH). The other primary factor was a lack of privacy. These accounts often included donors encountering donation opportunities when accompanied by people to whom they had not and did not plan to disclose their HIV status. Most were highly confident their donations would be identified as HIV-positive and discarded. CONCLUSION We demonstrated a complex interaction between individual, social, cultural, and structural/policy factors in blood donations by PLWH who take ARV. Recommendations to limit HIV + ARV+ donations include: (1) Targeted communication strategies to increase knowledge among PLWH of their deferral from blood donation-without increasing stigma, and (2) development of procedures to assist those who feel unable to opt-out of donation due to privacy concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin van den Berg
- Medical Division, South African National Blood Service, Roodepoort, South Africa.,Division of Clinical Haematology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Clinical Haematology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Edward L Murphy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Franciscco, San Francisco, California, USA.,Department of Epidemiology/Biostatistics, University of California, San Franciscco, San Francisco, California, USA.,Epidemiology and Bioinformatics Core, Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Vernon J Louw
- Division of Clinical Haematology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gary Maartens
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shana D Hughes
- Epidemiology and Bioinformatics Core, Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
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14
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Knight C, Andreani J, Garrett N, Winter M, Golubchik T, Breuer J, Reynolds C, Brailsford SR, Harvala H, Simmonds P. Absence of detectable monkeypox virus DNA in 11,000 English blood donations during the 2022 outbreak. Transfusion 2023; 63:690-695. [PMID: 36752042 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large, worldwide outbreak of mpox (formerly referred to as monkeypox) involving mainly men who have sex with men commenced in May 2022. We evaluated the frequency of positivity for the causative agent, monkeypox virus (MPXV), in blood donations collected in August 2022, during the outbreak period in Southern England. METHODS/MATERIALS The sensitivity and specificity of an MPXV-specific PCR and a generic non-variola orthopoxvirus (NVO) PCR were evaluated using samples from mpox cases and synthetic DNA standards. Residual minipools from nucleic acid testing were obtained from 10,896 blood donors in Southern England, with 21% from London. RESULTS MPXV and NVO PCRs were both capable of detection of single copies of target sequence with calculated limits of detection (LOD)90 s of 2.3 and 2.1 DNA copies and analytical sample sensitivities of 46 and 42 MPXV DNA copies/ml, respectively. 454 minipools produced from 10,896 unique donors were assayed for MPXV DNA by both methods. No positive minipools were detected by either PCR. CONCLUSIONS Although blood donors are unrepresentative of the UK population in terms of MPXV infection risk, the uniformly negative MPXV DNA testing results provide reassurance that MPXV viraemia and potential transmission risk were rare or absent in donors during the outbreak period. Minipools from blood donors allow rapid implementation of large-scale population-based screening for emerging pathogens and represent an important resource for pandemic preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanice Knight
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julien Andreani
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Mark Winter
- NHSBT Filton Testing/Blood Supply, Bristol, UK
| | - Tanya Golubchik
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford, UK
| | - Judy Breuer
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Claire Reynolds
- NHS Blood and Transplant/UK Health Security Agency Epidemiology Unit, NHSBT, London, UK
| | - Susan R Brailsford
- NHS Blood and Transplant/UK Health Security Agency Epidemiology Unit, NHSBT, London, UK.,Microbiology Services, National Health Service (NHS) Blood and Transplant, London, UK
| | - Heli Harvala
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK.,Microbiology Services, National Health Service (NHS) Blood and Transplant, London, UK
| | - Peter Simmonds
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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15
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Sulkowska E, Zyskowska A, Grabarczyk P, Łętowska M, Parczewski M. Deferral of donor vaccinated for HIV. Transfusion 2023; 63:435-436. [PMID: 36733256 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Sulkowska
- Department of Virology, Institute of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Grabarczyk
- Department of Virology, Institute of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Łętowska
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Institute of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Miłosz Parczewski
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
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16
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Nishiya AS, Ferreira SC, Salles NA, Rocha V, Mendrone-Júnior A. Transfusion-Acquired HIV: History, Evolution of Screening Tests, and Current Challenges of Unreported Antiretroviral Drug Use in Brazil. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102214. [PMID: 36298769 PMCID: PMC9612039 DOI: 10.3390/v14102214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevention of HIV acquisition by blood transfusion from its emergence to the present day is reviewed, and current challenges are delineated. The experience of Fundação Pró-Sangue/Hemocentro de São Paulo, Brazil, is highlighted in the quest for improvements in blood safety and the evolution of increasingly sensitive and specific screening tests. Concerns and establishing stringent criteria in the screening of potential blood donors are emphasized, and the current criteria for identifying and deferring candidates at high risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases are summarized. Future challenges relate to the identification of donors with unreported use of antiretroviral drugs for prophylaxis against possible HIV exposure or for treatment of an HIV infection whose viral expression is undetectable by current analyses. There is a need to better understand the motivation of HIV-exposed donors and to educate them about the risk of transfusion-mediated HIV transmission despite having low or undetectable viral loads. In situations in which traditional HIV RNA or antibody detection assays remain negative, more sensitive analyses are needed to identify potential donors at risk for HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S. Nishiya
- Fundação Pró-Sangue Hemocentro de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Oncoimmunohematology (LIM-31), Department of Hematology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-4573-7525
| | - Suzete C. Ferreira
- Fundação Pró-Sangue Hemocentro de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Oncoimmunohematology (LIM-31), Department of Hematology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Nanci A. Salles
- Fundação Pró-Sangue Hemocentro de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Vanderson Rocha
- Fundação Pró-Sangue Hemocentro de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Oncoimmunohematology (LIM-31), Department of Hematology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
- Disciplina de Ciências Médicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
- Churchill Hospital, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Alfredo Mendrone-Júnior
- Fundação Pró-Sangue Hemocentro de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Oncoimmunohematology (LIM-31), Department of Hematology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
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17
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Caffrey N, Goldman M, Lewin A, Grégoire Y, Yi QL, O'Brien SF. Removing the men who have sex with men blood donation deferral: Informing risk models using Canadian public health surveillance data. Transfus Clin Biol 2022; 29:198-204. [PMID: 35987531 DOI: 10.1016/j.tracli.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) were ineligible to donate blood in most countries since the 1980's. In Canada the deferral period has been incrementally decreased from lifetime to male-to-male sex in the last 3 months. Now a few countries have removed the deferral altogether. Risk models have been utilised to estimate the probability of an HIV positive donation being released into the blood supply and to inform incremental changes to the length of the deferral period. Here we use public health data to estimate the risk of HIV if the gbMSM deferral criteria were removed in Canada. MATERIAL AND METHODS We calculate the risk reduction among heterosexuals based on responses to standard risk questions routinely asked of donors. We assume gbMSM will donate at the same rate as heterosexual males. We apply the same risk reduction principle to HIV incidence and prevalence among gbMSM in the general population to evaluate the HIV risk without gbMSM time deferral. We model three scenarios where risk reduction is varied by assumptions about incidence and compliance with deferral criteria. RESULTS The estimates for all scenarios were not significantly different to the currently observed scenario which predicts a residual risk of 0.02 HIV positive per million donations (95% CI: 0.000006-0.09). CONCLUSION The models predict that removing the gbMSM deferral criteria would result in HIV residual risk similar to currently observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Caffrey
- Donation Policy & Studies, Canadian Blood Services, K1G 4J5 Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - M Goldman
- Donation Policy & Studies, Canadian Blood Services, K1G 4J5 Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Ottawa, K1H 8M5 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - A Lewin
- Medical Affairs & Innovation, Héma-Québec 4045, boulevard de la Côte-Vertu, H4R 2W7 Saint-Laurent, QC, Canada.
| | - Y Grégoire
- Medical Affairs & Innovation, Héma-Québec 4045, boulevard de la Côte-Vertu, H4R 2W7 Saint-Laurent, QC, Canada.
| | - Q-L Yi
- Donation Policy & Studies, Canadian Blood Services, K1G 4J5 Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - S F O'Brien
- Donation Policy & Studies, Canadian Blood Services, K1G 4J5 Ottawa, ON, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, K1G 5Z3 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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18
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Busch MP. Four decades of HIV and transfusion safety: Much accomplished but ongoing challenges. Transfusion 2022; 62:1334-1339. [PMID: 35815724 DOI: 10.1111/trf.16931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Busch
- Vitalant Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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19
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The Impact of Early Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) for HIV on the Sensitivity of the Latest Generation of Blood Screening and Point of Care Assays. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071426. [PMID: 35891406 PMCID: PMC9324335 DOI: 10.3390/v14071426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in early HIV infection is important to limit seeding of the viral reservoir. A number of studies have shown that if ART is commenced prior to seroconversion, the seroconversion may, or may not, occur. We aimed to assess whether seroreversion or no seroconversion occurs using samples collected during an early treatment study in South Africa. Methods: We tested 10 longitudinal samples collected over three years from 70 blood donors who initiated ART after detection of acute or early HIV infection during donation screening on fourth- and fifth-generation HIV antibody and RNA assays, and three point of care (POC) rapid tests. Donors were allocated to three treatment groups: (1) very early, (2) early, and (3) later. Longitudinal samples were grouped into time bins post-treatment initiation. Results: On all three high-throughput HIV antibody assays, no clear pattern of declining signal intensity was observed over time after ART initiation in any of the treatment initiation groups and 100% detection was obtained. The Abbott Determine POC assay showed 100% detection at all time points with no seroreversion. However, the Abbott ABON HIV1 and OraSure OraQuick POC assays showed lower proportions of detection in all time bins in the very early treated group, ranging from 50.0% (95% CI: 26.8–73.2%) to 83.1% (95% CI: 64.2–93.0%), and moderate detection rates in the early and later-treated groups. Conclusion: While our findings are generally reassuring for HIV detection when high-throughput serological screening assays are used, POC assays may have lower sensitivity for detection of HIV infection after early treatment. Findings are relevant for blood safety and other settings where POC assays are used.
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Josephson CD, Glynn S, Mathew S, Birch R, Bakkour S, Kreuziger LB, Busch MP, Chapman K, Dinardo C, Hendrickson J, Hod EA, Kelly S, Luban N, Mast A, Norris P, Custer B, Sabino E, Sachais B, Spencer BR, Stone M, Kleinman S. The Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study-IV-Pediatric (REDS-IV-P): A research program striving to improve blood donor safety and optimize transfusion outcomes across the lifespan. Transfusion 2022; 62:982-999. [PMID: 35441384 PMCID: PMC9353062 DOI: 10.1111/trf.16869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study-IV-Pediatric (REDS-IV-P) is a new iteration of prior National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) REDS programs that focus on improving transfusion recipient outcomes across the lifespan as well as the safety and availability of the blood supply. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS The US program includes blood centers and hospitals (22 including 6 free-standing Children's hospitals) in four geographic regions. The Brazilian program has 5 participating hemocenters. A Center for Transfusion Laboratory Studies (CTLS) and a Data Coordinating Center (DCC) support synergistic studies and activities over the 7-year REDS-IV-P program. RESULTS The US is building a centralized, vein-to-vein (V2V) database, linking information collected from blood donors, their donations, the resulting manufactured components, and data extracts from hospital electronic medical records of transfused and non-transfused patients. Simultaneously, the Brazilian program is building a donor, donation, and component database. The databases will serve as the backbone for retrospective and prospective observational studies in transfusion epidemiology, transfusion recipient outcomes, blood component quality, and emerging blood safety issues. Special focus will be on preterm infants, patients with sickle cell disease, thalassemia or cancer, and the effect of donor biologic variability and component manufacturing on recipient outcomes. A rapid response capability to emerging safety threats has resulted in timely studies related to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). CONCLUSIONS The REDS-IV-P program endeavors to improve donor-recipient-linked research with a focus on children and special populations while also maintaining the flexibility to address emerging blood safety issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra D. Josephson
- Departments of Pathology and Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Simone Glynn
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sunitha Mathew
- Public Health and Epidemiology Practice, Westat, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Rebecca Birch
- Public Health and Epidemiology Practice, Westat, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Sonia Bakkour
- Vitalant Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Michael P. Busch
- Vitalant Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kathleen Chapman
- Public Health and Epidemiology Practice, Westat, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Carla Dinardo
- Immunohematology, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao and Fundacao Pro-Sangue, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jeanne Hendrickson
- Departments of Pediatrics and Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Eldad A. Hod
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Shannon Kelly
- Department of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Naomi Luban
- Children’s Research National Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Alan Mast
- Versiti Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Philip Norris
- Vitalant Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Brian Custer
- Vitalant Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ester Sabino
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Bryan R. Spencer
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Dedham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mars Stone
- Vitalant Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Steve Kleinman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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21
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Caffrey N, Goldman M, Osmond L, Yi QL, Fan W, O'Brien SF. HIV incidence and compliance with deferral criteria over three progressively shorter time deferrals for men who have sex with men in Canada. Transfusion 2021; 62:125-134. [PMID: 34854092 DOI: 10.1111/trf.16753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Canada, the deferral for men who have sex with men (MSM) has been progressively reduced from a permanent deferral for MSM since 1977, to 5 years, 1 year, and, most recently, 3 months. We estimated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) residual risk and compliance with the MSM time deferral after each change. METHODS Four anonymous online compliance surveys were carried out before and after each change. HIV incidence and prevalence were monitored from 2010 to 2021. Residual risk was estimated using the incidence-window period model. RESULTS Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence, incidence, and residual risk did not change with incrementally shorter MSM deferrals. The residual risk per million donations post 3-month deferral was 0.05 (0.001-0.371). Men with temporally remote MSM history became eligible and, therefore, compliant as the deferral periods decreased (Cochran-Armitage p value = <.0001). However, the percentage of men with MSM history in the last 3 months with the indefinite deferral in place was similar to the percentage noncompliant, while the 3-month deferral was in place. MSM donors did not report high-risk behaviors for which they would otherwise be deferred in any survey. Following the change, an estimated 4467 MSM per year were eligible to donate, an increase from 2501 estimated eligible MSM donors following the change to the 1-year deferral. CONCLUSION With progressively shorter MSM deferral periods, HIV residual risk was unchanged. The proportion of male donors with deferrable MSM history remained low, while those with temporally remote MSM history became eligible, increasing the number of eligible MSM donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh Caffrey
- Donation Policy & Studies, Canadian Blood Services, 1800 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 4J5, Canada
| | - Mindy Goldman
- Donation Policy & Studies, Canadian Blood Services, 1800 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 4J5, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lori Osmond
- Donation Policy & Studies, Canadian Blood Services, 1800 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 4J5, Canada
| | - Qi-Long Yi
- Donation Policy & Studies, Canadian Blood Services, 1800 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 4J5, Canada
| | - Wenli Fan
- Donation Policy & Studies, Canadian Blood Services, 1800 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 4J5, Canada
| | - Sheila F O'Brien
- Donation Policy & Studies, Canadian Blood Services, 1800 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 4J5, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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22
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Nishiya AS, Salles NA, de Almeida-Neto C, Witkin SS, Ferreira SC, Nogueira FAH, Facincani T, Rocha V, Mendrone-Jr A. Influence of unreported HIV prophylaxis on the kinetics of post-blood donation HIV seroconversion. Transfusion 2021; 61:3488-3492. [PMID: 34617611 DOI: 10.1111/trf.16698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2020, of 110,000 blood donors screened for HIV exposure two individuals were identified who were viral RNA-positive but seronegative. One of the donors, borderline negative in a pooled screening test for HIV RNA, utilized antiretroviral drugs as post-exposure, pre-donation prophylaxis. The kinetics of subsequent HIV seropositivity in both donors are described. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Both donors were recalled and interviewed, and blood was obtained at intervals for HIV antibodies and RNA testing. RESULTS One donor used antiretroviral prophylaxis for 30 days due to a relationship with an HIV-positive partner. In follow-up samples, seroconversion was noted at 70 days, and viral RNA was detected at 105 days, after blood donation. In contrast, the other donor seroconverted in <25 days and the appearance and titer of HIV RNA was in accordance with the typical pre-seroconversion window. CONCLUSION The use of anti-viral prophylaxis by blood donors in the acute phase of HIV infection delays seroconversion. A 6-month deferral in blood donation after HIV prophylaxis, as currently recommended in Brazil, would have been sufficient in this case to mitigate the risk of transfusion-transmitted HIV. Ultimately, improvement in donor compliance with selection procedures for blood donation is needed to optimize blood safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Nishiya
- Fundação Pró-Sangue Hemocentro de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and targeted therapy in Oncoimmunohematology (LIM-31), Department of Hematology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nanci A Salles
- Fundação Pró-Sangue Hemocentro de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cesar de Almeida-Neto
- Fundação Pró-Sangue Hemocentro de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Disciplina de Ciências Médicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Steven S Witkin
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Suzete C Ferreira
- Fundação Pró-Sangue Hemocentro de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and targeted therapy in Oncoimmunohematology (LIM-31), Department of Hematology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Tila Facincani
- Fundação Pró-Sangue Hemocentro de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanderson Rocha
- Fundação Pró-Sangue Hemocentro de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and targeted therapy in Oncoimmunohematology (LIM-31), Department of Hematology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Disciplina de Ciências Médicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Churchill Hospital, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Alfredo Mendrone-Jr
- Fundação Pró-Sangue Hemocentro de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and targeted therapy in Oncoimmunohematology (LIM-31), Department of Hematology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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23
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Aubé E, Lewin A, O'Brien SF, Grégoire Y, Pillonel J, Steele WR, Custer B, Davison KL, Germain M, Seed CR, Camirand Lemyre F. HIV residual risk in Canada for apheresis source plasma donation without deferral for men who have sex with men. Vox Sang 2021; 117:201-207. [PMID: 34268781 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In Canada, men having sex with men (MSM) are deferred for 3 months from last sexual contact to reduce human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk to recipients. The aim of this paper was to model the Canadian residual risk of HIV-positive source plasma incorporating pathogen inactivation (PI) under no MSM deferral scenarios for apheresis plasma donations. MATERIALS AND METHODS A combined Bayesian network (BN) and Monte Carlo approach were implemented to estimate the HIV residual risk under 3-month deferral compared with no deferral without quarantine scenarios for MSM donors. Models involve the stochastic generation of donation and its infection status based on its corresponding simulated donor profile. Viral load reduction conferred by PI used by source plasma fractionators was simulated. Model parameters were derived from Héma-Québec and Canadian Blood Services data, viral loads in a large sample of HIV-positive US blood donors, CSL Behring documentation and from published data. RESULTS In the most likely scenario for the 3-month deferral model, there were 2.71 positive donations per 1,000,000 donations (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.63-2.78). For the no-deferral model, there were 3.01 positive donations per 1,000,000 donations (95% CI 2.94-3.09). For both scenarios, the risk of having an infectious pool was 0 in 300,000 pools (95% CI 0-0.0000123) after consideration of PI. CONCLUSION Based on simulation results, there would be a negligible HIV residual risk associated with the removal of a time-based MSM deferral without quarantine for source plasma incorporating PI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Aubé
- Department of Mathematics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.,Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Antoine Lewin
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sheila F O'Brien
- Epidemiology & Surveillance, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yves Grégoire
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Josiane Pillonel
- Direction des Maladies Infectieuses, Santé Publique France, St. Maurice, France
| | - Whitney R Steele
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Brian Custer
- Epidemiology and Health Policy Science, Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Katy L Davison
- Immunisation, Hepatitis & Blood Safety, Health Protection Agency, London, UK
| | - Marc Germain
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Clive R Seed
- Donor and Product Safety (DAPS) Policy Unit, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Félix Camirand Lemyre
- Department of Mathematics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.,Centre de recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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24
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Harvala H, Reynolds C, Ijaz S, Maddox V, Penchala SD, Amara A, Else L, Brailsford S, Khoo S. Evidence of HIV pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) among blood donors: a pilot study, England June 2018 to July 2019. Sex Transm Infect 2021; 98:132-135. [PMID: 33782147 PMCID: PMC8862030 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2021-054981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Due to increased use of pre-exposure prohylaxis (PrEP) and its potential to affect HIV screening of blood donors, we undertook antiretroviral residual testing among HIV-negative male donors in England. Methods Residual plasma samples were obtainnd from 46 male donors confirmed positive for syphilis and 96 donors who were repeat reactive for HIV antibodies in screening but confirmed as HIV-negative by reference testing. These were tested for concentrations of tenofovir and emtricitabine by high-performance liquid chromatograhpy coupled with mass spectrometry. Results We found evidence of pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) use in three male blood donors confirmed positive for syphilis (3 out of 46 screened, 6.5%). Two were estimated to have taken PrEP/PEP within a day of donating, and the third within 2 days. Two were new donors, whereas one had donated previously but acquired syphilis infection after his last donation. Conclusions Our findings indicate that a small proportion of blood donors have not been disclosing PrEP/PEP use and therefore donating in non-compliance to donor eligibility criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Harvala
- Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, UK .,Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Claire Reynolds
- NHS Blood and Transplant/Public Health England Epidemiology Unit, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, UK
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Vicki Maddox
- Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, UK
| | | | - Alieu Amara
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Laura Else
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Susan Brailsford
- Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, UK.,NHS Blood and Transplant/Public Health England Epidemiology Unit, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, UK
| | - Saye Khoo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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25
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Saeed S, Goldman M, Uzicanin S, O'Brien SF. Evaluation of a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)/post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) deferral policy among blood donors. Transfusion 2021; 61:1684-1689. [PMID: 33724472 DOI: 10.1111/trf.16349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of pre-/post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) may interfere with routine HIV screening. As a result, blood services worldwide have adopted a variety of deferral policies to mitigate increased residual risk. In this study, we evaluated the operational impact of modifying the donor health questionnaire (DHQ) to include explicit questions to assess PrEP/PEP exposure. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective study between June 2019 and October 2020 of all blood donors attempting to donate at Canadian Blood Services. Sixteen-months post-implementation, we summarized self-reported PrEP/PEP rates and their indications for use. We also assessed deferral rates and the sensitivity of using existing risk questions to defer people exposed to PrEP/PEP. RESULTS Of 1,122,075 donations, 89 people (eight per 100,000 donations) reported PrEP (64%)/PEP (34%) use in the last 4 months. People exposed to PrEP were more likely to be men (94%) and taking PrEP for lifestyle reasons (87%). In contrast, indications for PEP use included occupational exposure (50%) and sexual assault (27%). Most donors who answered affirmatively to PrEP/PEP exposure were deferred (96%). If potential donors were not directly asked about their PrEP/PEP use, the majority would not have been deferred for any other reasons (PrEP 32/57 (56%) and PEP 15/30 (50%)). CONCLUSION Not all blood services have adopted direct questions to identify PrEP/PEP exposure; some rely on existing DHQ questions. In Canada, despite DHQ questions such as medication use in the last 3-days, more than half of people exposed to PrEP/PEP would not have been identified and deferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Saeed
- Epidemiology and Surveillance, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mindy Goldman
- Epidemiology and Surveillance, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samra Uzicanin
- Epidemiology and Surveillance, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sheila F O'Brien
- Epidemiology and Surveillance, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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26
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27
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Steele WR, Dodd RY, Notari EP, Haynes J, Anderson SA, Williams AE, Reik R, Kessler D, Custer B, Stramer SL. HIV, HCV, and HBV incidence and residual risk in US blood donors before and after implementation of the 12-month deferral policy for men who have sex with men. Transfusion 2021; 61:839-850. [PMID: 33460470 DOI: 10.1111/trf.16250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In December 2015, the men who have sex with men (MSM) deferral was reduced to 12 months in the United States. We compared human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) incidence and residual risk before and after this policy change using data from >50% of the US blood supply. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Three estimation intervals from the Transfusion-Transmissible Infections Monitoring System were compared: 15-months pre- and two consecutive, nonoverlapping 15-month post-MSM deferral implementation. Repeat, first-time, and weighted all-donor incidences were estimated. Residual risk was calculated for all incidence estimates using the incidence/window-period method. RESULTS HIV repeat donor incidence was 1.57 per 100 000 person-years (phtpy) in the second 15-month post change and not significantly different from pre-MSM incidence of 2.19 phtpy. Similar values were seen for HCV (1.49 phtpy vs 1.46 phtpy) and HBV (1.14 phtpy vs 0.97 phtpy). In some cases, higher estimated incidence, but without significant change from pre-MSM to the second post change period occurred for males and first-time donors (eg, first-time donors, second post change period: 6.12 phtpy HIV, 6.41 phtpy HCV and 5.34 phtpy HBV). Estimated per donation residual risk was 1:1.6 million for HIV, 1:2.0 million for HCV and 1:1.0 million for HBV based on weighted incidence for all donors. CONCLUSIONS Repeat, first-time, and overall donor incidence did not vary significantly comparing pre-MSM to either of the post-MSM estimation intervals. Residual risk estimates vary by study, but all yield residual risks in the United States of ≤1 per million, and thus far have not shown increasing risk with the 12-month MSM policy change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Alan E Williams
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Rita Reik
- OneBlood, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | | | - Brian Custer
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
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28
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O'Brien SF, Goldman M, Robillard P, Osmond L, Myhal G, Roy É. Donor screening question alternatives to men who have sex with men time deferral: Potential impact on donor deferral and discomfort. Transfusion 2020; 61:94-101. [PMID: 33616949 DOI: 10.1111/trf.16165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternative screening questions could permit low-risk men who have sex with men (MSM) to donate blood without a time deferral. We performed a study to determine the proportion of current donors who may be deferred by various questions and their comfort with them. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Donors attending collection sites in Canada in January and February 2018 were offered one of two questionnaires but not both. Questionnaire 1 asked about risk behaviors; Questionnaire 2 rated comfort with the questions. Volunteers uncomfortable with questions participated in short qualitative telephone interviews to understand reasons. Quantitative data were analyzed using χ2 statistics. RESULTS Of 36 241 donors attending, 31 904 (88%, Period 1) completed Questionnaire 1; of 34 947, a total of 30 278 (87%, Period 2) completed Questionnaire 2; 294 completed an interview. In the past 3 months 3.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.1%-3.6%) had more than one partner; 6.0% (95% CI, 5.7%-6.2%) had a new partner; 6.7% (95% CI, 6.4%-6.9%) were in a nonexclusive relationship; 11.2% (95% CI, 10.9%-11.6%) had at least one of these; 3.7% (95% CI, 3.4%-3.9%) had anal sex; and 62.8% (95% CI, 62.2%-63.3%) had condomless sex. More than 6% were uncomfortable with each question, but more (17.2%; 95% CI, 16.8%-17.7%) were uncomfortable with anal sex. Key reasons for discomfort were questions being too personal and unclear safety benefit. CONCLUSION Most donors are comfortable answering alternative questions (except very personal ones) but question the benefit. Implementing alternative questions would result in substantive deferrals. Other policies such as using an MSM capture question to ask additional questions only to MSM should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila F O'Brien
- Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mindy Goldman
- Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Lori Osmond
- Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Élise Roy
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sherbrooke University, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
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29
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Grebe E, Busch MP, Notari EP, Bruhn R, Quiner C, Hindes D, Stone M, Bakkour S, Yang H, Williamson P, Kessler D, Reik R, Stramer SL, Glynn SA, Anderson SA, Williams AE, Custer B. HIV incidence in US first-time blood donors and transfusion risk with a 12-month deferral for men who have sex with men. Blood 2020; 136:1359-1367. [PMID: 32693408 PMCID: PMC7483431 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020007003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration published revised guidance that recommended a change in blood donor deferral of men who have sex with men (MSM) from an indefinite to a 12-month deferral since the donor last had sex with a man. We assessed whether HIV incidence in first-time blood donors or associated transfusion risk increased. Donations in 4 major blood collection organizations were monitored for 15 months before and 2 years after implementation of the 12-month MSM deferral policy. HIV-positive donations were classified as recently acquired or long-term using a recent infection testing algorithm and incidence in both periods estimated. Residual transfusion transmission risk was estimated by multiplying incidence by the length of the infectious window period. The latter was estimated using a model based on infectious dose and the sensitivity of nucleic acid testing. Factors associated with incident infection in each period were assessed using Poisson regression. Overall HIV incidence in first-time donors before implementation of the 12-month MSM deferral was estimated at 2.62 cases per 100 000 person-years (105 PY) (95% credible interval [CI], 1.53-3.93 cases/105 PY), and after implementation at 2.85 cases/105 PY (95% CI, 1.96-3.93 cases/105 PY), with no statistically significant change. In male first-time donors, the incidence difference was 0.93 cases/105 PY (95% CI, -1.74-3.58 cases/105 PY). The residual risk of HIV transfusion transmission through components sourced from first-time donors was estimated at 0.32 transmissions per million (106) packed red blood cell transfusions (95% CI, 0.29-0.65 transmissions/106 transfusions) before and 0.35 transmissions/106 transfusions (95% CI, 0.31-0.65 transmissions/106 transfusions) after implementation. The difference was not statistically significant. Factors associated with incident infection were the same in each period. We observed no increase in HIV incidence or HIV transfusion transmission risk after implementation of a 12-month MSM deferral policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduard Grebe
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Michael P Busch
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Edward P Notari
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Rockville and Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Roberta Bruhn
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Claire Quiner
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, CA
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | | | - Mars Stone
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Sonia Bakkour
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Hong Yang
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD
| | | | | | | | - Susan L Stramer
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Rockville and Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Simone A Glynn
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Steven A Anderson
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD
| | - Alan E Williams
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD
| | - Brian Custer
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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