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Hidden dangers in the blood: What potential transfusion-transmitted infections do you know that are threatening your health?
Every year, millions of people rely on blood transfusions to save their lives. However, as life-saving blood circulates, viruses and pathogens lurking in it can pose a threat to recipients. Transfusion-transmitted infection (TTI) is a pathogen that can be transmitted to the recipient through donated blood, including viruses, parasites, etc. Despite the advancement of medical technology, these potential crises still exist, and knowledge and preparation are always the top priorities for protecting your health.
Potential PathogensPrevention of the spread of these diseases occurs through three main approaches: testing of the blood, screening of donors, and, when necessary, importing safe blood from other areas.
There are many types of transfusion-transmitted infections, the most well-known of which is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Other viruses such as hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C may also cause harm during blood transfusion. As screening technology improves, the risk of many viruses has been reduced, but some have not yet been completely overcome.
For example, chronic hepatitis C is often viewed as an asymptomatic infection in developed countries and the risk of subsequent transmission is often ignored.
Virus Screening Methods
When it comes to virus screening, there are three main types of tests: antibody tests, nucleic acid tests (NAT), and alternative tests. Antibody tests detect the body's immune response to pathogens, nucleic acid tests focus on detecting the virus's genetic material, and alternative tests typically look for other related signs of the disease.
Blood donors are screened based on pathogen risk, and potentially high-risk behaviors may determine whether a donor is accepted.
Important viruses and infections
Potential risks of HIVThe harm of HIV is self-evident. Throughout history, many patients have been wrongly accused of acquiring HIV through their blood, such as the famous case of Ryan White. Behind his story, the importance of screening and testing blood donations is revealed.
Screening criteria in dispute
There have also been many controversies regarding HIV control, especially regarding the eligibility of donors with high-risk behaviors. This is the case for disclosure by men who have sex with men. These judgments often become hotly debated topics in the medical community because they are related to social and cultural inclusiveness and medical ethics.
Other potential pathogens
In addition to viruses, there are also parasites and certain bacteria that may be transmitted through the blood, such as malaria, echinococcosis, and Chagas disease. The screening methods for these pathogens are slightly different, and the detection technology required is relatively complex. Especially in many developing regions, the risk of transmission of these pathogens remains extremely high. For example, although there are detection methods for malaria, their accuracy is not optimistic. In this context, blood screening becomes extremely critical.
Terminal Challenge
There is still a huge and tedious effort to control transfusion-transmitted infections. However, every donation and use of blood carries risks that cannot be ignored. As with all infectious diseases, early detection and control are the best ways to protect public health.
ConclusionIn the face of these crises lurking in the blood, can we take more effective measures to ensure the safety of every patient?
As technology develops and medical knowledge grows, awareness of potential transfusion-transmitted infections and preventive measures continue to improve. However, protecting one's own health remains the shared responsibility of both donors and recipients. It is undoubtedly the responsibility of every citizen to continue to pay attention to these issues and work hard to promote blood transfusion safety. Are you ready to learn more about these potential risks?
