Independent report

SaBTO virology subcommittee recommendations on KSHV infection

Recommendations to introduce universal serological screening of deceased donors for Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Published: 31 May 2023
• Last updated: 13 March 2025 — See all updates

Documents

SaBTO virology subcommittee recommendations on KSHV: executive summary

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SaBTO virology subcommittee recommendations on KSHV: full report

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Details

Several cases of fatal Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus type-8 (HHV-8), infection have been observed in recent years in recipients of solid organ transplants in the UK.

The Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO) established a workstream to look at the current scientific evidence and assess the size and impact of donor related HHV-8 infection on recipient outcomes, particularly in the setting of deceased organ donation. The working group also assessed the need and feasibility of implementing appropriate interventions.

Published 31 May 2023

Last updated 13 March 2025 + show all updates

1. 13 March 2025

   Page updated to add the full report.

2. 31 May 2023

   First published.