The procedure of transplanting an animal organ into a human body is known as xenotransplantation

CURRENT AFFAIRS

The procedure of transplanting an animal organ into a human body is known as xenotransplantation

CURRENT AFFAIRS

Posted On : 11th March, 2022

Description

Concerning Xenotransplantation

Xenotransplantation, as defined by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is any technique that includes transplanting, implanting, or infusing the following into a human body.

Animal-derived live cells, tissues, or organs

In Human bodily fluids, cells, tissues, or organs that came into touch with live animal cells, tissues, or organs ex vivo (outside of the living body).

Required of Xenotransplantation

Human organs for transplantation are in high demand, yet they are in short supply and difficult to get. Human organs can be replaced with animal organs. Animal cells and tissues can also be employed for therapeutic purposes in conditions such as neurodegenerative disorders and diabetes, when human resources are typically unavailable.

Concerns Regarding Xenotransplantation

There is a chance that recipients will become infected with infectious pathogens. This puts the recipient's life at peril. The illness has the potential to spread to other persons and endanger them. Another public health risk is retrovirus cross-species infection. This is because the virus can remain dormant for several years before causing sickness. Furthermore, certain infectious agents may be unknown, making identification impossible with existing techniques. Finding a treatment for such contagious illnesses will be tough as well.

A recent example of xenotransplantation

In January 2022, physicians in the United States transplanted a genetically engineered pig heart into a 57-year-old man suffering from fatal heart disease. The transplanted heart showed no symptoms of rejection and functioned normally for several weeks. He died, however, on March 8, 2022.