AIDS in the transfusion recipient.

Abstract

In summary, the HIV virus was transmitted to approximately 90% of recipients by infectious blood and blood products transfused prior to donor and product testing begun in March 1985. Self-elimination of at-risk donors several years prior to testing donor blood helped to reduce the number of infected donations. Virtually all contaminated donors are now eliminated. The multiply transfused patient developed a stimulated dysregulated immune system due to the numerous antigens and the iron in red cells and plasma. This dysregulated immune system has resulted in a variable response to the added exposure of the HIV virus. The incubation period and progression to disease have been prolonged and variable. Although a small number of patients have progressed as rapidly as other at-risk groups, many continue to do well without therapeutic intervention. Natural history of the disease needs continual monitoring to determine the ultimate outcome of these transfusion recipients.