Polymorphic Microsatellite Markers for the Diagnosis of Graft-versus-Host Disease

Post-transfusion graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is generally thought to result from the engraftment of lymphocytes in blood products1,2. If circumstances permit, the donor's T lymphocytes mount an immune attack against the recipient's tissues. The clinical manifestations of the disorder are fever, rash, hepatitis, diarrhea, bone marrow aplasia, pancytopenia, and infection3. Post-transfusion GVHD can usually be diagnosed clinically during its florid stage. However, in its early stage, it is not easily differentiated from toxic shock syndrome, drug reactions, or viral infections. Early diagnosis may allow more effective treatment of the disease. Post-transfusion GVHD occurs when the blood donor is . . .