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08/12/2006
Transfusion risk for vCJD 'substantial'
People given blood transfusions contaminated with the agent that causes variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) are now considered to be at substantial risk.
The study published in medical journal The Lancet by Professor John Collinge reported that an assessment of 66 people known to have received contaminated blood has confirmed that blood not only is an effective means of transferring the infectious agent but also appears to reduce the incubation time of the disease.
Two cases of vCJD linked to a blood transfusion were reported in 2004. Both had received blood from a donor who later developed vCJD. One patient developed signs of the disease six years after the transfusion and died 13 months later. The other patient did not develop symptoms five years after the transfusion, but died from an unrelated illness.
However, a third patient was diagnosed with vCJD while still alive. He took part in an experimental drug trial, but succumbed to the disease some nine years after the transfusion.
The incubation time of vCJD is known to be very long and experts claim that a person may have the disease for 50 years before symptoms become clinically evident.
This means that tissues and blood from infected individuals pose a significant risk to others. To date 24 people are known to be at risk following transfusions with blood known to be contaminated with vCJD. They face an uncertain future as this route of transmission shortens the incubation period for the disease significantly, probably to just six or seven years.
It is hoped that a tonsil screening study currently being conducted will help to provide an estimate of the infection in the wider population.
(SP/KMcA)
The study published in medical journal The Lancet by Professor John Collinge reported that an assessment of 66 people known to have received contaminated blood has confirmed that blood not only is an effective means of transferring the infectious agent but also appears to reduce the incubation time of the disease.
Two cases of vCJD linked to a blood transfusion were reported in 2004. Both had received blood from a donor who later developed vCJD. One patient developed signs of the disease six years after the transfusion and died 13 months later. The other patient did not develop symptoms five years after the transfusion, but died from an unrelated illness.
However, a third patient was diagnosed with vCJD while still alive. He took part in an experimental drug trial, but succumbed to the disease some nine years after the transfusion.
The incubation time of vCJD is known to be very long and experts claim that a person may have the disease for 50 years before symptoms become clinically evident.
This means that tissues and blood from infected individuals pose a significant risk to others. To date 24 people are known to be at risk following transfusions with blood known to be contaminated with vCJD. They face an uncertain future as this route of transmission shortens the incubation period for the disease significantly, probably to just six or seven years.
It is hoped that a tonsil screening study currently being conducted will help to provide an estimate of the infection in the wider population.
(SP/KMcA)
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People who have had blood transfusions will no longer be able to give blood as a precautionary measure against the possible risk of transmitting variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease (vCJD), it has been announced today. Research suggests that vCJD, which is a fatal brain disease, is the result of exposure to the agent that causes BSE in cows.
Blood donor ban issued over CJD fears
People who have had blood transfusions will no longer be able to give blood as a precautionary measure against the possible risk of transmitting variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease (vCJD), it has been announced today. Research suggests that vCJD, which is a fatal brain disease, is the result of exposure to the agent that causes BSE in cows.
29 August 2005
Blood test provides potential breakthrough in CJD testing
Scientists have developed a blood test, which could help to detect the human form of mad cow disease. In a study published in ‘Nature’, the team from the University of Texas identified infectious, or rogue, prion proteins, believed to cause the fatal brain disease in hamsters.
Blood test provides potential breakthrough in CJD testing
Scientists have developed a blood test, which could help to detect the human form of mad cow disease. In a study published in ‘Nature’, the team from the University of Texas identified infectious, or rogue, prion proteins, believed to cause the fatal brain disease in hamsters.
21 July 2005
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21 September 2004
Transfusion patients warned of increased vCJD risk
Six thousand former NHS patients who have received blood plasma products will be told this week if they have an increased risk of developing the human form of CJD. The patients, who largely suffer from haemophilia and other bleeding disorders, will receive letters this week.
Transfusion patients warned of increased vCJD risk
Six thousand former NHS patients who have received blood plasma products will be told this week if they have an increased risk of developing the human form of CJD. The patients, who largely suffer from haemophilia and other bleeding disorders, will receive letters this week.
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