Tainted bone grafts cause second deadly TB outbreak
U.S. health officials are working to contain a second outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) linked to contaminated bone graft material, resulting in one death and at least four infections. The same type of bone repair product used in spinal surgery was also involved in a 2021 outbreak that caused eight deaths. The product, supplied by Aziyo Biologics, was used in surgical and dental procedures earlier this year before a voluntary recall was issued. All patients are being treated as if they have TB due to the high risk of severe forms of the disease from implanted bone material. Current regulations do not require testing for TB in organ or tissue donors, prompting calls for tighter regulation.