Following a request from the European Commission in August 2010, ECDC assessed the epidemiological history of Human T-lymphotropic Virus (HTLV) across the world, possible risks of HTLV transmission through transplantation of human tissues and cells, and possible measures to prevent such transmission.
An organ perfusion solution known as Viaspan® has been identified as being potentially contaminated with Bacillus cereus. Viaspan®, which is used to preserve organs prior to transplantation, is distributed to a number of countries around the world.According to ECDC's risk assessment, the likelihood of contamination and risk of infection in recipients or potential recipients of organ transplants preserved in Viaspan® solution produced after July 2011 appears to be low, based on the negative results of microbiological cultures in solution samples and the absence of reported patient cases to date. Nevertheless, vigilance is recommended to mitigate the risk.