Blood, Blood Products and HIV, 2Ed

In this second edition of this text, changes in the epidemiology of the HIV-1 infection are considered, with particular reference to transfusion-associated infection. Advances in the understanding of the virus, its effects on the immune system, and the immune response to the virus, are all updated.

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Infection with the AIDS virus is the biggest and most challenging health problem for the 20th century. While research continues to struggle for a cure, effective screening for HIV-1 antibodies has been one of the most important strategies in preventing further infections. The first edition of this book was published in October 1987. At that time, strategies to counter the risk of transfusion-associated HIV-1 infection were just being implemented, although the success of these policies was not yet clear. Since then, these risks have been greatly reduced. The topic is still of importance however. In this second edition, changes in the epidemiology of the infection are considered, with particular reference to transfusion-associated infection. Advances in the understanding of the virus, its effects on the immune system, and the immune response to the virus, are all updated. Three new chapters are included - on procedures for the prevention of virus transmission by blood products, on the effects of the virus on cytokines and cellular antigens and on immune deficiency in haemophilia.
This new edition should continue to be a useful reference for blood transfusion centres and should also be of interest to infectious disease physicians and haematologists.