Xenotransplantation refers to the transplantation of organs or tissues between different species. E.g. Chimpanzee organ (liver) being transplanted into a human body would come under the category of xenotransplantation.
Pigs have come up as prospective organ donors since their organs and tissues are more or less to that of human’s. However, there are issues such as-
Xenotransplantation of pig’s tissue into a human would allow easier passage for all types of zoonotic viruses.
Moreover, if transgenic pigs are used instead of natural pigs it can lead to virus mutation as per the human body demands thus leading to increased susceptibility to human infection.
Thus, engrafting of pig’s tissue in the human body poses a significant risk for humans of catching a zoonotic (animal) disease.
