Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy最新文献

{"title":"Babesiosis and Its Significance in Transfusion Medicine from a European Point of View.","authors":"Marco Amato, Anita Siller, Harald Schennach","doi":"10.1159/000550246","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000550246","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Babesiosis, caused by intraerythrocytic parasites of the genus <i>Babesia</i>, represents an emerging global health threat due to its capacity for persistent infection and transfusion transmission. The ability of <i>Babesia</i> spp<i>.</i> to establish chronic, asymptomatic infections lasting up to 2 years in immunocompetent hosts creates a substantial reservoir of infectious blood donors, making transfusion-transmitted babesiosis (TTB) a critical blood safety concern.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The epidemiology of babesiosis differs markedly between regions, with <i>B. microti</i> predominating in North America and <i>B. divergens</i> in Europe. In the USA, seroprevalence studies among blood donors reveal rates of 0.38% in endemic regions. In 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued nonbinding recommendations for year-round regional nucleic acid testing of individual donations in 14 endemic states and Washington DC, or alternatively, the use of FDA-approved pathogen reduction technology for blood components [Pathogens. 2021;10(9):1176; Recommendations for reducing the risk of transfusion-transmitted babesiosis, 2019]. TTB can result in severe clinical complications with mortality rates approaching 20%, particularly affecting immunocompromised recipients. European studies demonstrate significantly lower prevalence rates, with minimal <i>Babesia</i> DNA detection in blood donor populations from Austria [Transfus Med Hemother. 2023;50(4):330-3] and Poland [Przegl Epidemiol. 2023;77(2):146-52], despite serological evidence of exposure. Current detection methods include microscopic examination, nucleic acid amplification, antigen detection, and antibody testing, with screening programs proving effective in endemic regions.</p><p><strong>Key messages: </strong>Persistent <i>Babesia</i> infections pose a significant threat to blood safety, necessitating region-specific risk assessment and mitigation strategies. The substantial difference in prevalence between North American and European blood donor populations highlights the importance of tailored approaches to screening implementation. Enhanced surveillance, novel therapeutic strategies, and comprehensive prevention measures - including advanced diagnostics, tick-avoidance programs, and pathogen reduction technologies - are essential for minimizing the global health burden of persistent babesiosis and protecting vulnerable populations from this emerging transfusion-transmitted threat.</p>","PeriodicalId":23252,"journal":{"name":"Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy","volume":"53 1","pages":"23-43"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12893759/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146182440","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Viral Safety of Blood Products: Beyond HBV, HCV, and HIV.","authors":"David Juhl","doi":"10.1159/000550012","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000550012","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23252,"journal":{"name":"Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-2"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12788863/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145953119","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Naturally Occurring Anti-Jk^a: Expanding the Evidence beyond Sensitization.","authors":"Ardenne Martin, Katrina J Jiang, Huseyin Kilic, Nestor Dela Cruz, Mohammad Barouqa","doi":"10.1159/000550000","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000550000","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Red blood cell (RBC) alloantibodies typically develop following immune sensitization through transfusion or pregnancy. Naturally occurring antibodies, in contrast, arise without such exposure and are often directed against antigens such as ABO or Lewis. Kidd system antibodies are clinically significant, usually IgG, and rarely occur naturally.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Routine pretransfusion testing was performed using automated hemagglutination (Echo® Lumena, Werfen; Norcross, GA, USA) and manual tube methods for ABO and RhD typing. Antibody screening utilized a standard three-cell panel and extended testing by solid-phase red cell adherence (SPRCA). Phenotyping was conducted manually using monoclonal anti-Jk^a and anti-Jk^b. Comparative testing employed the indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) in tube with polyethylene glycol (PEG) enhancement.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two patients were encountered with anti-Jk^a by SPRCA despite no history of transfusion, pregnancy, or immunoglobulin therapy. Both exhibited a Jk(a-, b+) phenotype. Reactivity consistent with anti-Jk^a and dosage effect was observed in SPRCA testing, while IAT with PEG enhancement failed to detect the antibody. Auto control and direct antiglobulin tests were negative, and no additional clinically significant antibodies were identified.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings provide further evidence that anti-Jk^a can arise naturally, independent of sensitizing events. Detection was possible through solid-phase testing, highlighting its ability to identify weak or developing antibodies that may be missed by conventional tube methods. Awareness of such naturally occurring Kidd antibodies is essential to ensure appropriate antibody identification and selection of compatible blood for transfusion.</p>","PeriodicalId":23252,"journal":{"name":"Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"108-111"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12807515/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145998951","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Comparison of Techniques Used for Antibody Titer Determination in Screening for Fetal Anemia Secondary to Red Blood Cell Alloimmunization.","authors":"Suzanne Dysart, Braxton Forde, Mamie Thant, James Liu, Sara Staker, Kara Markham","doi":"10.1159/000549989","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000549989","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of the study was to compare the relationship between titer concentrations via gel microcolumn assay (GMA) and conventional tube testing (CTT) methods at a single institution that serves as a referral center for women at risk for hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective chart review on all obstetric patients treated was conducted at a single tertiary care center with RBC antibodies from November 2018 to October 2022. Patients were included in the statistical analysis if there were parallel CTT and GMA titration studies available. GMA vs. CTT titers were graphed via bubble plots, and polynomial regression analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between the two methods. Logistical regression was used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of GMA titers for prediction of a critical CTT titer of 16.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 166 GMA titers from 87 patients had corresponding CTT titers. The most common antibody was anti-D (76) followed by anti-K (29). Polynomial regression indicated a relationship between GMA titers and CTT titers (<i>R</i> ² = 0.5325, <i>p</i> < 0.001). The relationship changed significantly with removal of anti-K antibodies (<i>R</i> ² = 0.6733, <i>p</i> < 0.001). GMA titers were predictive of a critical CTT (AUC 0.97, <i>p</i> < 0.001) for non-anti-K antibodies but not predictive for anti-K antibodies (<i>p</i> = 0.134). Overall a GMA titer of 64 was predictive of a CTT titer of 16 or higher with 90.7% (95% CI: 82.5-95.9%) sensitivity and 85.0% (95% CI: 75.3-92.0%) specificity. All GMA results of 32 or higher for anti-K antibodies had CTT of at least 16, whereas the same could not be said of the non-anti-K antibodies until GMA titers reached at least 512.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>GMA titers are consistently higher than CTT titers in all antibodies tested in our study, and the correlation between the titers is statistically significant for all antibodies except for anti-K. GMA methodology is often preferred as first-line testing by the hospital transfusion service due to cost-effectiveness and ability to be automated. A predictive table was created for provider reference if their hospital's blood bank employs GMA techniques.</p>","PeriodicalId":23252,"journal":{"name":"Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12846317/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146094327","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improved Antitumor Activity of Interleukin-12-Secreting Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells Targeting CD176 across Different Carcinomas.","authors":"Melina Umland, Anna Christina Dragon, Luca Marie Beermann, Agnes Bonifacius, Patrik Kehler, Johanna Gellert, Rainer Blasczyk, Hinrich Abken, Axel Schambach, Michael Hudecek, Britta Eiz-Vesper","doi":"10.1159/000549632","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000549632","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Effective therapeutic options for advanced solid tumors remain severely limited, causing high fatality rates especially after metastasis. The carbohydrate structure CD176 has been identified as a promising target for precise immunotherapy in multiple carcinomas, as it is present in about 90% of carcinomas but unavailable for binding on healthy tissue. Here, we report the development of CD176-specific 4th-generation chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-Ts), also known as T cells redirected for antigen-unrestricted cytokine-initiated killing (TRUCKs). To address the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and the heterogeneous antigen expression of solid tumors, which limit the efficacy of CAR-Ts, they were endowed with NFAT-inducible interleukin-12 (iIL12) release to improve pro-inflammatory autocrine and paracrine effects.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The CD176-iIL12-TRUCK construct was tested for target specificity in a reporter cell assay using a JE6-1-derived reporter cell line. Afterward, CD176-iIL12-TRUCKs were manufactured using primary CD8⁺ T cells. The influence of iIL12 on functionality of CD176-iIL12-TRUCKs, including T-cell activation levels, cytotoxic capacity, and recruitment of bystander immune cells, was evaluated following cocultures with CD176⁺ cell lines from different carcinomas.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Upon recognition of CD176⁺ cancer cell lines, CD176-iIL12-TRUCKs specifically released pro-inflammatory mediators (interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α) and showed an increased activation marker expression (CD25, CD69). Using both a 7-AAD-based viability assay and an impedance-based cytotoxicity assay, elimination of CD176⁺ cell lines from different tumor entities by CD176-iIL12-TRUCKs was shown. Additionally, iIL12 released by CD176-iIL12-TRUCKs led to recruitment of monocyte and NK cell lines in a chemotaxis chamber assay.</p><p><strong>Discussion/conclusion: </strong>Overall, the IL-12 release substantially improved effector functionality against CD176⁺ cells but not CD176^- cells, indicating efficacy while maintaining specificity. Thus, CD176-iIL12-TRUCKs, with their potent antitumor efficacy and TME modulation potential, are a promising treatment option for patients with a variety of advanced solid tumors.</p>","PeriodicalId":23252,"journal":{"name":"Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12810983/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145998912","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preliminary Study on Platelet-Rich Plasma Enhancing Autophagy Level and Promoting Hair Growth in Androgenetic Alopecia Model Mice.","authors":"Ling Xiao, Wei Chen, Siwei Liu, Haixia Xu, Li Hou, Li Tian","doi":"10.1159/000549505","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000549505","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Impairment of autophagy may be considered a potential mechanism underlying androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in AGA treatment and investigate the role of autophagy in this process.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The experiment was conducted in two phases. In phase I, an AGA mouse model was established and treated with PRP. Following the treatment period, the therapeutic effects on hair growth were evaluated. The expression levels of autophagy-related genes (LC3 and Beclin-1) were assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot (WB), and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). In phase II, based on the first phase, additional experimental groups were introduced: (1) AGA model mice treated with the autophagy activator rapamycin (RAPA) alone and (2) AGA model mice receiving combined treatment with PRP and the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA). Hair growth progression, histopathological changes in hair follicles, and the expression of autophagy markers were analyzed to elucidate the role of autophagy in PRP-mediated AGA treatment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results demonstrated that PRP treatment significantly increased both length and weight of newly grown hair in AGA model mice. The AGA model group exhibited markedly reduced mRNA and protein expression levels of autophagy-related markers (LC3 and Beclin-1) compared to controls. PRP intervention substantially enhanced autophagy levels in treated mice. Notably, therapeutic outcomes achieved with RAPA monotherapy were comparable to those observed with PRP treatment. However, the cohort receiving combined PRP and 3-MA treatment showed significantly diminished hair growth parameters (length and weight) and attenuated expression of autophagy-related genes relative to PRP-treated mice.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Autophagy levels in the hair follicle cells of AGA model mice are reduced, and impaired autophagy may represent a potential pathogenic mechanism underlying AGA. PRP therapy promotes hair growth and alleviates symptoms in AGA model mice by enhancing autophagy.</p>","PeriodicalId":23252,"journal":{"name":"Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"82-93"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12705143/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145768902","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond Iron Deficiency: Unveiling the Prevalence of Folate and Vitamin B12 Deficiencies in Major Surgical Patients.","authors":"Mischa J Kotlyar, Patrick Meybohm, Lotta Hof, Maike Koch, Lea Valeska Blum, Jan Andreas Kloka, Denana Mehic, Vanessa Neef, Kai Zacharowski, Suma Choorapoikayil","doi":"10.1159/000548891","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000548891","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Preoperative anaemia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in surgical patients. While iron deficiency is a well-recognized cause, the contribution of other nutritional deficiencies, such as folate and vitamin B12, remains underexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and role of folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies in preoperative anaemia among patients undergoing major surgery.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective observational study included 410 patients aged ≥18 years who underwent major surgery and were evaluated at a preoperative anaemia clinic in a large tertiary hospital between June 2016 and June 2023. Key outcome measures included the prevalence of iron, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies and their associations with preoperative anaemia.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Anaemia was observed in 41.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 36.8-46.3), iron deficiency in 51.5% (95% CI: 46.6-56.3), folate deficiency in 18.0% (95% CI: 14.6-22.1), and vitamin B12 deficiency in 3.2% (95% CI: 1.9-5.4). Anaemic patients exhibited higher rates of iron (61.8%, 95% CI: 54.3-68.7 vs. 44.2%, 95% CI: 38.0-50.5) and folate deficiencies (27.1%, 95% CI: 20.9-34.2 vs. 11.7%, 95% CI: 8.2-16.3, <i>p</i> < 0.001) compared to non-anaemic patients. Combined deficiencies, primarily iron and folate, were more frequent in anaemic patients (17.7%, 95% CI: 12.7-24.1 vs. 7.5%, 95% CI: 4.8-11.5, <i>p</i> = 0.003). Substantial heterogeneity in deficiency patterns was observed across surgical subgroups, with overall prevalences ranging from 20% to 59% for iron, and from 11% to 31% for folate. Iron (odds ratio [OR] 3.27, 95% CI: 2.03-5.27, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and folate (OR 2.6, 95% CI: 1.45-4.59, <i>p</i> = 0.001) deficiencies were independently associated with anaemia and together accounted for approximately one-third of preoperative anaemia cases.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Iron deficiency remains the predominant contributor to preoperative anaemia, with folate deficiency playing a significant yet underrecognized role. The high occurrence of combined deficiencies and substantial heterogeneity across surgical populations support the need for population-specific diagnostic and supplementation strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":23252,"journal":{"name":"Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"67-81"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12707927/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145775258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"CD34 Positive Selection of Cryopreserved Stem Cell Concentrates with the CliniMACS Prodigy Platform and the Tubing Set TS 320: Preclinical Results from a Validation Study.","authors":"Claudia Bernecker, Konrad Rosskopf, Claudia Url, Andrea Raicht, Peter Schlenke","doi":"10.1159/000549364","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000549364","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Immuno-magnetic CD34 positive (CD34+) selection is generally used for stem cell boosts after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. In some cases, only cryopreserved cells are available as starting material. We present a new automatic device and technique for preparing and subsequently magnetically enriching these cells.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used the CliniMACS Prodigy® platform in combination with the TS 320 tubing set, equipped with a large 800 mL chamber, which enables to include the DMSO wash, platelet wash, antibody incubation, and antibody wash and the subsequent CD34 enrichment on an automatic basis with only short hands-on time. We performed three validation runs using DNase and sodium citrate for cell preparation to reduce the risk of aggregates and clots.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our robust preclinical results show the feasibility and safety of the process with a mean of 53% CD34 yield after thawing and CD34 purity and viability of 93 and 97%, respectively. CD3 log depletion exceeds 5.0 in all 3 cases, which provides optimal GvHD prevention.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This shows that the updated technique gains unaffected CD34+ cells of high quality, not only from fresh but also from cryopreserved stem cell products.</p>","PeriodicalId":23252,"journal":{"name":"Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"104-107"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12707921/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145775187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact on the Safety of Blood Components due to the Elimination of Quarantine Storage for Fresh Plasma and the Implementation of a New Safety Standard.","authors":"Sarah Anna Fiedler, Marcus Hoffelner, Markus Benedikt Funk","doi":"10.1159/000548747","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000548747","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23252,"journal":{"name":"Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"50-53"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12707935/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145775168","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"West Nile Virus Infections in Germany: Update 2022-2024.","authors":"Ruth Offergeld, Christina Frank, Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit, Ute Ziegler, Karina Preußel, Raskit Lachmann","doi":"10.1159/000549166","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000549166","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>West Nile virus (WNV) is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus). It circulates in an enzootic cycle between ornithophilic mosquitoes as vectors and different avian species as reservoir hosts and/or for amplification but humans can be infected as accidental hosts. Since 2019, autochthonous mosquito-borne WNV infections in humans were reported in Germany indicating a continuous circulation in the affected areas. The animal and human infections were initially restricted to Central-East Germany in the first years. This article provides an update to the WNV epidemiology in Germany from 2022 to 2024.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Analysis was based on surveillance data and confirmatory testing for human and animal cases of WNV in Germany from 2022 to 2024.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Since 2022, a slight annual spread became visible, which intensified in 2024 and caused numerous infections in northwest Germany, particularly among animals. Altogether, 80 confirmed human WNV infections were identified in 2022-2024, mostly among blood donors. Transfusion safety is maintained by donor deferral or testing of donations using nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAT) after a stay in an affected area. The vast majority of blood establishments test all donations during the transmission season in Germany from June to the end of November. In this way, roughly 2.2 million donations are screened annually, by that contributing significantly to WNV surveillance.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Confirmation of initially reactive screening tests is still a challenge as other flaviviruses, especially Usutu virus, are co-circulating. Specific NAT or next-generation sequencing are necessary for discrimination. To fully understand the WNV epidemic, combined results of human and veterinary surveillance including results of sequencing are needed. A One health approach is essential to identify affected areas and to ensure transfusion safety and public health.</p>","PeriodicalId":23252,"journal":{"name":"Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"13-22"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12707936/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145775750","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}