Stroke Could Be Transmissible, Study Finds

Transfused blood could carry a pathogen that increases risk of stroke and even Alzheimer’s.

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For decades, stress shouldered the blame for painful stomach ulcers. But in 1982, doctors made a groundbreaking discovery: A specific type of bacteria was a key culprit.

Scientists are peering through microscopes again to search for evidence that suggests that blood transfusions may contribute to strokes, a leading cause of death and long-term disability.

Common Cause for Stroke May Be Transmissible via Blood

A new study found that blood transfusions from donors who later developed multiple spontaneous brain bleeds were associated with a slightly higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke in recipients. This suggests a potential link between blood-borne factors and a type of stroke-causing blood vessel damage in the brain.