The sclera, the prion, and the ophthalmologist.
Prions have emerged in the past 5 years as serious transmissible infective agents. Ocular tissue transplantation has come under scrutiny after potential infected tissue was transplanted into healthy patients. In this review we examine the evidence for the risk of transmission of prions after scleral transplantation and explore alternative materials that may be used in ocular surgery.
Mehta
J S
JS
Moorfields Eye Hospital, City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK. jodmehta@hotmail.com
Franks
W A
WA
D007562:Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D011108:Polymers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012590:Sclera / Q000637:transplantation*; D014021:Tissue Preservation / Q000379:methods; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000379:methods; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous
D011108:Polymers