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 Printable version |
Xenotransplantation and viral risk |
Virologie. Volume 2, Number 5, 385-92, Septembre-Octobre 1998, Revues
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 Résumé
Article gratuit
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Author(s) : C. Chastel |
Summary : At present there is a revival of concern about xenotransplantation since the generation of transgenic pigs as potential organ donors for humans was achieved. However, the use of baboons was not rulled out, especially for bone marrow grafting to Aids patients. As a matter of fact, both baboons and pigs may harbour silently a great number of viruses belonging mostly but not exclusively to the Herpesviridæ, Retroviridæ and Papoviridæ families. A priori, all these viruses are potentially able to infect the deeply immunocompromised patients. This may lead to the emergence of deadly viral infections, the so-called « xenozoonosis », among the recipients and/or the general population. In this area, the « zero risk » would not be guaranted at all and it therefore appears necessary to respect a moratorium. However, if this circonspect attitude would not be respected, a number a prophylactic measures already published should be strictly applied to animal donors, recipients and their relatives. |
Keywords : Xenotransplantation – Viral risk – Xenozoonosis – Baboons – Transgenic pigs – Prophylaxis of viral infections. |
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