PUBLIC STATEMENT
Media Contact:
Jenny Daigle | jdaigle@aopo.org
AOPO Statement on Suspected Donor-Derived KSHV Transmissions
McLean, VA (March 10, 2026) – A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted an increase in suspected donor-derived cases of a rare but serious infection associated with Kaposi Sarcoma–related herpesvirus (KSHV). The Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) supports further research into this issue to better understand the underlying causes of this recent increase and to help develop effective clinical safeguards.
Organ transplantation saves tens of thousands of lives every year, and patient safety is always the top priority across the entire donation and transplant system. While donor-derived disease transmissions are extremely rare, they are not impossible. Like all sectors of health care, the organ donation and transplantation field is continuously evolving donor screening practices as new medical technologies and testing methods are developed.
At this time, there are no available screening tests for KSHV infection in organ donors, nor do current Organ Procurement & Transplantation Network (OPTN) guidelines offer requirements or recommendations for donor KSHV testing. However, as the CDC noted, it is “working with partners to develop strategies to enhance transplantation safety and reduce the impact of KSHV infection.”
Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) already conduct extensive infectious disease screening on every donor, including comprehensive laboratory testing and detailed review of the donor’s medical and social history. All available information is shared with transplant centers so physicians can make informed decisions for each patient.
As with any medical procedure, transplantation involves balancing potential risks with lifesaving benefits. For the more than 100,000 Americans currently awaiting transplants, the benefits of receiving an organ overwhelmingly outweigh the risk of rare infectious disease transmission. Reports like this help the transplant community improve awareness and strengthen reporting systems so that cases can be quickly recognized and reported.
The OPO community continues to support the collaborative efforts of the CDC, the OPTN Disease Transmission Advisory Committee and other stakeholders to ensure organs are used as safely as possible while saving as many lives as we can.
Each organ, eye and tissue donor can save up to eight lives and heal more than 75. We encourage everyone to learn more and consider signing up. You can register today by visiting RegisterMe.org.