The Dilemma of Xenotransplantation
1996
The Dilemma of Xenotransplantation
Commentary
Author Information
Author(s): Claude E. Chastel
Primary Institution: Virus Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Brest Cedex, France
Hypothesis
What deadly emerging infectious disease would arise in a recipient of a baboon or chimpanzee heart?
Conclusion
Xenotransplantation poses significant risks of unknown viral infections that could threaten human survival.
Supporting Evidence
- Monkeys and apes harbor approximately 50 simian viruses that pose a serious threat to humans.
- An outbreak of encephalitis related to a new type of reovirus occurred among baboons used in human organ transplants.
- A moratorium on xenotransplantation is suggested until all simian pathogens are identified.
Takeaway
Using animal organs for human transplants could make people very sick from unknown viruses. It's safer to wait until we know more about these risks.
Potential Biases
The author's perspective as a virologist may introduce bias in evaluating the risks of xenotransplantation.
Limitations
The commentary does not provide empirical data or specific studies to support the claims.
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