From the Guidelines
The most common microbial agent transmitted by blood transfusion is (c) hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains the most frequently transmitted viral infection through blood transfusions despite modern screening methods. HCV is particularly problematic because it can remain asymptomatic for years while causing progressive liver damage. The virus has a high rate of chronic infection, with approximately 75-85% of infected individuals developing chronic hepatitis. Blood banks implement nucleic acid testing (NAT) to detect HCV RNA during the window period when antibodies are not yet detectable, but transmission can still occur in rare cases. The risk has been significantly reduced in developed countries but remains higher in regions with limited resources for comprehensive blood screening. Other transfusion-transmitted infections like HIV, hepatitis B, and cytomegalovirus occur less frequently due to effective donor screening protocols and testing procedures 1. Some studies have shown that HCV is the etiologic agent of the majority of parenterally transmitted or bloodborne non-A, non-B hepatitis worldwide 1. However, more recent guidelines have focused on other viruses such as hepatitis E, but the data still supports HCV as the most common microbial agent transmitted by blood transfusion 1. Key points to consider include:
- The high rate of chronic infection associated with HCV
- The implementation of NAT to detect HCV RNA
- The reduced risk of transmission in developed countries
- The importance of effective donor screening protocols and testing procedures. In terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, it is essential to prioritize the screening and prevention of HCV transmission through blood transfusions. This can be achieved through the implementation of NAT, effective donor screening protocols, and testing procedures. By prioritizing the prevention of HCV transmission, we can reduce the risk of chronic infection and improve the quality of life for individuals who require blood transfusions. Overall, the most common microbial agent transmitted by blood transfusion is hepatitis C virus, and it is crucial to prioritize its prevention and screening to reduce the risk of transmission and improve patient outcomes 1.
From the Research
Transfusion-Transmitted Infections
The most common microbial agents transmitted by blood transfusion include:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Prevalence of Transfusion-Transmitted Infections
According to the studies, HBV remains a major risk of transfusion-transmitted infection due to the pre-seroconversion window period, infection with immunovariant viruses, and occult carriage of HBV infection 2. The risk of HBV transmission by transfusion is estimated to be around 1 per 63,000 units of blood 3.
Comparison of Transfusion-Transmitted Infections
While all the options (a, b, c, d) are potential transfusion-transmitted infections, the studies suggest that HBV is a significant risk due to its window period and occult carriage 2, 3. However, the risk of transmission of other viruses such as HCV and HIV has been significantly reduced through screening and nucleic acid testing (NAT) 4, 5.
Reduction of Transfusion-Transmitted Infections
Strategies to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections include donor exclusion, screening for serological markers, and NAT 4, 5. The use of pathogen-reduction technologies (PRTs) and risk-based decision-making tools can also help to minimize the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections 5.
Most Common Microbial Agent
Based on the studies, it can be inferred that hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major risk of transfusion-transmitted infection, although the risk of transmission of other viruses such as HCV and HIV has been significantly reduced 2, 3. Therefore, the most common microbial agent transmitted by blood transfusion is likely to be HBV, but the actual prevalence may vary depending on the specific context and location 4, 2, 3.