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Child's Death Linked to Bacterial Contamination in Transfused Platelets The St Petersburg times recently reported that a 6 year old Florida girl suffered a fatal complication after transfusion with platelets apparently contaminated with streptococcus viridans on Jan 27, 2009, as part of her routine treatment for Stage IV neuroblastoma. A second patient, who received platelets a day earlier from the same donation, also reportedly displayed symptoms of potential infection, including obvious rigors, severe shaking and chills. Dr. German Leparc, chief medical officer of Florida Blood Services notes that though platelets are tested for bacteria prior to release, the tests have “technical limitations” and that testing may have missed the contamination. The child died 10 days after the transfusion. Read the Times Article    Lack of Screening Tests, Asymptomatic Donors Make Babesia an Increasing Threat to Blood Safety Babesia microti (in the US) and Babesia divergens (in Europe) continue to spread undetected in the blood supply. Babesiosis remains the most frequently reported transfusion transmitted (TT) infection in the US as described in recent media coverage (see ABC News and NYT links below). In the US alone, TT Babesiosis is responsible for 12 deaths in the last decade. Reports have estimated a 30% mortality rate when infected through a transfusion. Lack of an approved screening test combined with asymptomatic donors leaves a critical gap in protection against TT Babesiosis. Read the ABC News Article Read the NY Times Article 30th Anniversary of AIDS Serves as Reminder of Transfusion Transmitted Infectious Threats The June issue of AABB News includes a retrospective look at the advances of the blood community over the last 30 years in reducing the risk of transfusion transmitted HIV. Within the President’s Message, AABB President, Dr. James AuBuchon commends the industry on the significant accomplishments. However, he also cautions, “It is important that the U.S. have an effective pathogen reduction system available for all blood components. Until then, infectious diseases remain a threat.” Dr. AuBuchon’s caution reminds us of the vulnerability of our blood supply to new and currently unknown threats. Read AABB News article “AIDS at 30” (subscription required for full access) Cerus Renews Focus on US Approval Pathway for INTERCEPT Cerus’ efforts to obtain clarity on US approval pathways for INTERCEPT platelets, plasma, and red cells have received renewed attention locally and within the transfusion industry. A recent Contra Costa Times article featured in AABB SmartBrief notes that the INTERCEPT platelet and plasma technology is already in routine use in more than 80 centers and 15 countries. Within the article, President and CEO William "Obi" Greenman reasserts Cerus’ commitment to prioritizing FDA approval for INTERCEPT and bringing the technology to the US. Read the Contra Costa Times article Ilex Biotech Brings INTERCEPT to South Africa and Israel The INTERCEPT distribution network continues to expand. Cerus has signed an agreement with Ilex Biotech Ltd for distribution of INTERCEPT platelets and plasma in South Africa and Israel. In a press release issued June 9, 2011, William “Obi” Greenman, president and CEO of Cerus Corporation, states “I am impressed with Ilex’s demonstrated success in bringing state-of-the-art blood safety technologies to South Africa, where the high rate of HIV-positive donations creates an exceptional challenge to transfusion safety.” Read the Press Release A Look Back: INTERCEPT at ISBT in Lisbon, Portugal The recent ISBT congress in Lisbon, Portugal was an exciting event for the entire INTERCEPT team. During the scientific program, INTERCEPT data was featured in 10 posters covering a range of topics and which continue to add to the breadth of data available for INTERCEPT platelets, plasma and RBC. The program also featured an oral abstract presentation describing the INTERCEPT validation and implementation experience in Zurich, Switzerland. We’d like to thank everyone who stopped by the Cerus booth, attended the INTERCEPT symposium, and participated in the champagne celebration. Download the INTERCEPT Abstract Compilation from the congress Photos from ISBT Lisbon (click to enlarge)    View Additional Photos and ISBT information here |
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What We're Reading: |
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Inactivation des pathogènes des concentrés plaquettaires : expérience française |
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Calendar of Events: |
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7th IABS Symposium on Advances in Transfusion Safety July 15 - 17 Singapore International Symposium on Critical Bleeding (ISCB) September 5 - 6 Copenhagen, Denmark Annual Congress of the German Society for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology (DGTI) September 27-30 Hanover, Germany |
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| INTERCEPT WEBSITE | PRODUCT OVERVIEW | RESOURCE CENTER | INTERCEPT IN USE | NEWS & EVENTS |
Use of INTERCEPT is contraindicated in patients with a history of allergic response to amotosalen or psoralens.
No pathogen inactivation system has been shown to inactivate all pathogens.
This newsletter may contain links to material from individuals and organizations other than Cerus and its employees.
These statements and material are not to be considered as made or endorsed by Cerus.
e-mail: customer_services@cerus.com | www.interceptbloodsystem.com | www.cerus.com
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Cerus, INTERCEPT Blood System, and INTERCEPT are trademarks of Cerus Corporation.
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