xenotransplantation
Xenotransplantation: Should we pursue the risk?An argument against using animals for transplant organs.Human organ and tissue transplantation (allotransplantation) is common surgery in the United States. The procedure is carried out in order to save the lives of individuals suffering organ failure and serious disease. Examples of this include kidney, heart, liver, and lung transplants. "In 1996, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States estimated that approximately 48,000 people were on the waiting list for suitable organs for transplantation, and an estimated 3,000 people die each year in the US while waiting for suitable organs or tissue for transplantation."1 One possible alternative to human organ transplantation is xenotransplantation, using animal organs and tissues for transplantation in humans. At this time, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in conjunction with the Public Health Service and Center for Disease Control are assessing the need for xenotransplantation and whether or not a balance between public health risk and the potential promise of a suitable organ and tissue source can be found. The main reason to continue xenotransplant research is the overwhelming demand for replac
Opponents believe that since many viruses such as retroviruses can remain dormant and beyond detection so there is no certainty of a disease free animal. Along with scientific objections, the issue of xenotransplantation raises ethical objections as well. Heart disease is the top cause of death in the United States. The patient's immune system would not have to be suppressed to the same extent, if at all. The potential risk of new diseases and viruses coupled with a potential world health crisis is enough to halt research until further testing and safety analysis can be conducted. Certain groups within society view the killing of animals for the benefit of humans (food or otherwise) as cruel. 2, 6 Michler, Robert, "Xenotransplantation: Risks, Clinical Potential, and Future Prospects" EID Volume 2, January-March 1996. Although, there are many cases of a person's genetic disposition leading to illness and organ failure requiring organ and tissue transplants; these people are the minorities of transplant cases. In both primates and pigs there may be more viruses that live harmoniously and undetected within the animals, but are deadly to humans. 867-715Fano, Alix; Cohen MD, Murry; Cramer MD, Marjorie; Greek M. Federal health authorities should be encouraging Americans to take responsibility for their health by eating properly, exercising, and avoiding cigarettes and alcohol. Retroviruses lying dormant in the genome of the animal may be activated when tissue is transplanted into the human patient. However, some people feel strongly about altering animals through the use of more direct genetic techniques.
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,
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Organs' Lancet,
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Dorling Anthony,
EID Volume,
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Acceptance Essays
