Immunological Effects of Blood Transfusion

This concise monograph examines the novel and distinct feature of blood transfusion (BT). It critically reviews the areas of major concern to the public and scientific/medical community. Topics include:

Transmission of disease(s) from the blood donor to the recipient and the transfusion-induced alloimmunization of the recipient

BT-induced immunomodulatory effects, both beneficial and deleterious

Beneficial effects in clinical organ transplantation and in treatment of women with unexplained recurrent abortions

Adverse effects of BT in patients undergoing curative surgery for different types of cancer and in patients at risk for bacterial infections

Deleterious effects of BT on enhanced tumor growth and infections in experimental animals

Attempts by a number of investigators to treat autoimmune diseases by BT in humans and in experimental animals

Mechanism(s) of the BT effect from various perspectives, including the component of blood, host factors, and hypotheses for beneficial and damaging effects