[Frequency of minor histocompatibility antigens among Chilean blood donors].

Background: Minor histocompatibility antigens (mHAgs) play a critical role in the immune responses associated with allogeneic stem cell transplantation, such as graft versus host disease (GVHD) and graft-versus-tumor (GVT).

Aim: To determine the gene frequencies of the mHAgs HA-1, HA-2 and HA-8 in Chilean Blood Bank donors.

Material And Methods: Blood from 192 blood donors was analyzed.

[Biological risk accidents among undergraduate healthcare students: five years experience].

Undergraduate healthcare students are exposed to bloodborne pathogens, and data from developing countries is scarce. We report the experience of a comprehensive program dedicated to the management of this risk. The program includes financial coverage, a 24-hour attention system, HIV, HBV, HCV testing, and free provision of post-exposure antiretroviral drugs.

[Thiopurine S-methyltransferase gene polymorphism in Chilean blood donors].

Background: Thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) is a cytosolic enzyme that catalyzes the S-methylation of 6-mercaptopurine and azathioprine. Low-activity phenotypes are correlated with polymorphism in the TPMT gene. Patients with low or undetectable TMPT activity could develop severe myelosuppression when they are treated with standard doses of thiopurine drugs.