Donor Epidemiology

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Donor Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Contribute to public health policy by tracking the incidence, prevalence and/or progression infectious dieases in a healthy donor population

A comprehensive estimation of the level of circulating SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Irish blood donors.
Publications:
- The changing profile of SARS-CoV-2 serology in Irish blood donors. Dermot Coyne, Dearbhla Butler, Adrienne Meehan, Evan Keogh, Pádraig Williams, Alex Carterson, Tor Hervig, Niamh O'Flaherty, Allison Waters . Glob Epidemiol. 2023 Dec;5:100108
- Confirmed circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in Irish blood donors prior to first national notification of infection. Dearbhla Butler, Dermot Coyne, Louise Pomeroy, Pádraig Williams, Paul Holder, Alex Carterson, Stephen Field, Allison Waters, Niamh O'Flaherty. J Clin Virol. 2022; 146: 105045
Key contributor to the National Serosurveillance Programme (NSP) | Seroepidemiology of COVID-19 in Ireland

Evidence is provided for recommending a selective HTLV donor screening algorithm in Ireland that is accompanied by a robust framework for continued surveillance of leucodepletion failure rate.
- Human T-lymphotropic virus in Irish blood donors: Impact on future testing strategy. Pádraig Williams, Niamh O'Flaherty, Stephen Field, Allison Waters. Transfusion. 2022 Jul 13.

To compare the distribution of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genotypes in patients with healthy Irish Donors

There is an association between specific HLA genotypes and the risk of pseudotumour development around hip resurfacings. Specifically, the two 'at risk' alleles (DQB1*05:03:01 and DRB1*14:54:01) may hold clinical value in preoperative screening and prospective surgical decision-making.
- Identification of protective and 'at risk' HLA genotypes for the development of pseudotumours around metal-on-metal hip resurfacings. Sheridan GA, Hanlon M, Welch-Phillips A, Spratt K, Hagan R, O'Byrne JM, Kenny PJ, Kurmis AP, Masri BA, Garbuz DS, Hurson CJ. Bone Jt Open. 2023 Mar 14;4(3):182-187.

Ireland's population is increasing and becoming more diverse, this has potential implications for the Irish Blood Transfusion Service to provide ‘best-matched’ blood for the optimal care of patients
Determine the distribution of ABO, RH and other clinically significant blood group antigen systems in Irish donorsand compare with those required for transfusion in various patient groups

14.24% of the first-time donors were born outside Ireland. Significant differences were detected in the ABO and Rh phenotype distribution between Irish born donors and those born outside Ireland.
- A snapshot of ABO, RH, and JK blood group systems in modern Ireland. Anne Browne, Anthony Kinsella, Moira Keogh, Kieran Morris, Stephen Field. Health Sci Rep. 2021 Jun 12;4(2):e292.

The genotype at the ABO blood group locus plays a critical role in modulating the platelet expresser phenotype, which may influence primary haemostasis though several different pathways.
- Expresser phenotype determines ABO(H) blood group antigen loading on platelets and von Willebrand factor. Diarmaid O'Donghaile, Vincent Jenkins, Rachel McGrath, Lisa Preston, Stephen Field, Soracha Ward, Jamie M O'Sullivan, James S O'Donnell. Sci Rep. 2020 Oct 27;10(1):18366.

Continued monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 serological profile in blood donors to support public health surveillance and vaccinations programmes.
Estimation of Cytomegalovirus seroprevalence and seroconversion rates in an Irish donors.
Molecular epidemiology of Hepatitis E virus in Irish blood donors.
Association of HLA type with ANCA Vasculitis