Updated guidance provided for safe solid organ transplantation

(HealthDay)—Updated recommendations for reducing transmission of HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) through transplantation include universal solid organ donor nucleic acid testing, according to research published in the June 26 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Jefferson M. Jones, M.D., from the CDC in Atlanta, and colleagues evaluated and revised the 2013 U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) guidelines for reducing transmission of HIV, HBV, and HCV due to advances in solid organ transplantation and improvements in understanding and treatment of these viral infections.

According to the authors, recommendations that have changed since the 2013 PHS guideline include updated criteria for identifying donors at risk for undetected donor HIV, HBV, and HCV; removal of any specific term to characterize donors with risk factors for HIV, HBV, and HCV infection; universal organ donor nucleic acid testing for HIV, HBV, and HCV; and universal posttransplant monitoring of recipients for HIV, HBV, and HCV infections. The recommendations apply only to solid organ donors and recipients, and not to donors or recipients of other medical products of human origin.

This guideline "reflects the impressive advances in testing and treatment over the last seven years and provides actionable steps that will protect transplant patients from HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses," Admiral Brett P. Giroir, M.D., assistant secretary for health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said in a statement.

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