A greater understanding of these reactions is required to achieve long-term xenograft survival. The first 2 questions were addressed, within the context of viral transmission and rejection, at this conference. Dr. Allan called attention to the need within the scientific community for rigor in the preclinical study of viral transmission in xenotransplantation, before this technology can begin to be safely applied in humans. Simian recipients of porcine organs will necessarily continue to serve as models to define infectious disease risks and identify primate immune responses to pig organs. The possible transmission of an animal infectious disease to humans is termed zoonosis.
Zoonosis is a potential complication of xenotransplantation.
Xenozoonoses are animal diseases that may be transferred through xenotransplantation. A primary concern is that infection in xenotransplantation may be more serious than that in allotransplantation. Microbiologic assays may be unavailable. It is difficult to recognize clinical syndromes associated with novel pathogens. More aggressive immunosuppression protocols are needed that may enhance xenozoonoses.