title: West Nile Virus in Europe and Safety of Blood Transfusion.
abstract: West Nile virus (WNV) has become an increasing issue in the transfusion setting since 2002, when it was firstly shown in the USA that it can be transmitted through blood transfusion. Since then, several precautionary measures have been introduced in Europe in order to reduce the possible risk of transmission via transfusion/solid organ transplantation. In addition, the epidemiological surveillance has been tightened and the network for communication of human WNV cases strengthened. This review will focus on WNV circulation and the safety of blood in Europe.
authors.affiliation: National Center for Immunobiologicals, Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Giulio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pisani
authors.affiliation: National Center for Immunobiologicals, Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cristiano
authors.affiliation: National Blood Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Simonetta
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pupella
authors.affiliation: National Blood Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Giancarlo Maria
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Liumbruno
keywords: NAT; Proficiency panel; Transfusion risks; Virus transmission; West Nile virus