[Virologic considerations in donor selection for allogeneic keratoplasty]

Abstract

Over a period of 14 months (from October 1985 to December 1986) 152 potential cornea donors were evaluated for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B surface (HBs) antigen. In three clinically normal donors (two deaths due to natural causes, one as a result of an automobile accident), HIV seroconversion was found by ELISA techniques in two cases and a positive Western Blot test in one. The two elderly patients had previously undergone multiple blood transfusions during major abdominal surgery in smaller community hospitals before blood donors were routinely tested for HIV; one 20-year-old patient was probably a homosexual, as in-depth interviews with his family doctor revealed. Hepatitis B serology was positive in four potential cornea donors. The authors conclude that interdisciplinary work-ups of potential cornea donors should include screening for infectious diseases.