[Blood transfusion and viral diseases. Recent acquisitions concerning viral hepatitis viruses, cytomegaloviruses and Epstein-Barr virus]

Abstract

In recent years, an increasingly clear picture has been formed of the virus-induced syndromes that may follow a blood transfusion or the use of blood derivatives. Up to about 10 years ago, post-infusion infection was predominantly due to serum hepatitis. Blumberg's discovery of HBsAg (formerly known as Australia antigen) has made it possible to check and prevent viral hepatitis, type B, and to recognise such distinct forms as the mononucleosis-like syndrome caused by cytomegalic virus, infectious mononucleosis caused by EB virus, and so-called non A/non B hepatitis. A brief account of recent advances with respect to the biological features of the viruses responsible for type A and type B hepatitis, CMV and EB virus, and their behaviour in man is followed by an examination of the transfusional aspects, the methods used in their study, and the difficulties involved. The soundness of existing methods and the need for their standardisation are discussed.