Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Reuters NewMedia, Inc. - 29 Nov 1995
Dr. Guenter Kurt Eckert, 55, is accused of distributing blood plasma which his Aprath laboratory failed to test for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The case is being heard in a court in the northern town of Goettingen.
The scandal sent thousands of Germans scurrying to get blood tests in 1993. It was found that firms which made blood products used in operations nationwide had been saving money by testing only selected samples of blood collected from donors.
Prosecutors allege that nine batches of untested blood from an HIV-positive drug-addict donor were sent out to various clinics by the Aprath Clinic in 1986 and 1987, shortly after HIV testing of blood became mandatory.
Of the 14 patients who received the blood, three died of AIDS-related illnesses and two more have contracted the virus.
In addition, Eckert is accused of delivering over 5,800 consignments of frozen blood products worth around $11 million to hospitals all over the country, even though between 84 and 90 percent of them had not been tested for HIV.
Earlier this year prosecutors dropped similar charges against the managing director of the blood processing firm which supplied Aprath, for lack of evidence.
A court in Koblenz will Friday pronounce its verdict on four executives of another blood product manufacturer, UB Plasma, who are accused of having infected three people with AIDS through blood products they distributed.
The four are charged with the distribution of dubious medication. Prosecutors in that case said they were prevented from pressing manslaughter charges because they could not prove the suspects had been willing to kill. They demanded sentences of between 28 months and six years and three months.
951129
RE951126
Copyright © 1995 - Reuters, Ltd. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Contact Reuters.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1995. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1995. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .