EPIDEMIC OF HOMOLOGOUS SERUM HEPATITIS APPARENTLY CAUSED BY HUMAN THROMBIN

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to report a new and previously unsuspected cause of homologous serum hepatitis, namely, human thrombin. The occurrence of homologous serum hepatitis following the use of whole blood,¹ plasma,² and irradiated plasma³ has been reported by many authors. Homologous serum hepatitis is not only an established hazard of transfusion of blood and plasma but has also been shown to be transmitted by syringes and syringe needles used without adequate sterilization between patients.⁴ In addition, tattooing with a common needle has been implicated as a means of transmission of the virus.⁵ It has also occurred after the administration of convalescent measles and mumps serum and immunization against sandfly and yellow fever.⁶ Transmission with amounts as little as 0.01 cc. of serum is possible, and it is probable that even smaller volumes may be infectious. The factor common to all modes