Allowing MSM to donate in the context of pathogen reduction of blood components: mathematical modeling of the risk of HIV, HBV and HCV transmission through transfusion

In Canada, MSM are deferred from blood donation, as is the case in most industrialized countries. Many have criticized the discriminatory nature of this policy. From there, using risk modelling assessments based on the implementation of improved blood screening technologies and the epidemiology of bloodborne pathogens in Canadian population and in blood donors, the MSM deferral period was reduced from permanent to 5 years in 2013, and to 1 year in 2016, with no observed additional HIV risk for recipients. Research initiatives are underway to determine if even less restrictive deferrals could be implemented without adversely impacting blood safety, given the inherent limitations of current screening tests. One interesting question is whether Pathogen Reduction Technologies (PRT), if implemented, could change the risk equation of behavior-based deferrals. In this study, we aim at improving and developing new modeling strategies in order to estimate the residual risk of transfusion-transmitted HIV, HBV and HCV infection with absent or less stringent MSM deferral criteria in the context of implementing PRT. Moreover, using different risk scenarios concerning MSM criteria relaxation and efficacy of PRT, our study will provide a broad range of evidence-based residual risk estimations in different situations for decision makers.

LEWIN, Antoine

Hema-Quebec

MSM Research Grant Program

Quebec

$39,618