Transfusion associated infections: a threat to life.

ABSTRACT

Blood transfusion is indispensable in the management of many haematological diseases and has become the mainstay in major surgical procedures. Transfusion-transmitted infections have been a major threat to life since the dawn of transfusion therapy. The authors have highlighted the different viral, parasitic and bacterial infections associated with transfusion and have focussed on the precautionary measures that can be implemented for prevention of the infections along with a brief review of the literature.