Posted by Steve on October 02, 2001 at 09:06:22:
In Reply to: Re: Transplants From Pigs to People posted by James on October 02, 2001 at 08:36:48:
A question I have though regarding a porcine virus, should a human with transplanted pig islets get the virus, would the virus be communicable to others, like the Aids virus if you will? What are the symptons of being infected with the porcine virus, do you die like being infected with full blown aids?
Most importantly there have already been humans transplanted with porcine cells. These humans have demonstrated no PERV infection. Second, for the PERV or others to be a problem it would not only have to be communicable to others BUT would also have to be DAMAGING. Again there is NO evidence that this is the case. Last, if the PERV is damaging (despite the evidence) but is not communicable then it would be the choice of the individual to accept the risk.
Steve