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Xenotransplantation
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- Context (IE): The first recipient of a modified pig kidney transplant passed away around two months after the surgery was carried out.
- Xenotransplantation is any procedure that involves the transplantation, implantation or infusion into a human recipient of either:
- Live cells, tissues, or organs from a nonhuman animal source, or
- Human body fluids, cells, tissues or organs that have had ex vivo contact with live nonhuman animal cells, tissues or organs.
- Benefits: It could help provide an alternative supply of organs to those with life-threatening diseases.
- Concerns: Potential cross-species transmission of undetected or unidentified animal infectious agents to patients that could, in turn, be transmitted to the general public, immune rejection, uncertain efficacy/viability.
Why are pigs often used for xenotransplantation?
- The pig’s anatomical and physiological parameters are similar to that of humans, and the breeding of pigs in farms is widespread and cost-effective.
- Also, many varieties of pig breeds are farmed, which provides an opportunity for the size of the harvested organs to be matched with the specific needs of the human recipient.
Credit: BBC