What is the most frequent disease complication associated with blood transfusion?

Hepatitis is recognized as one of the most frequent disease complications associated with blood transfusions, particularly before the implementation of rigorous screening and testing protocols. Hepatitis viruses, particularly hepatitis B and C, can be transmitted through transfusions of infected blood products.

The risk of hepatitis transmission was significantly reduced due to the advent of screening and the use of safer blood products. However, the historic prevalence of hepatitis in transfused patients, along with the potential for chronic infections that can lead to severe liver disease, makes it a major concern in transfusion medicine.

While other diseases mentioned, such as cytomegalovirus, syphilis, and AIDS, can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, the incidence of hepatitis, especially in populations without adequate screening, has historically been higher. This is why hepatitis is often considered the most frequent complication associated with blood transfusion.