Donor to host transmission of disease via corneal transplantation.

A literature search was conducted to report all cases of documented transmission of infectious diseases from donors to recipients of corneal transplants. Fourteen such cases have been reported. There is no experimental or clinical evidence to suggest the transmissions of either hepatitis or syphilis via corneal grafting. Available evidence regarding a number of neurologic and other disorders in which a slow virus etiology has been implicated were reviewed. On the basis of this review, we are able to draw certain conclusions and guidelines for selection or rejection of donor material for transplant surgery.