Hemophiliacs sue institute for infection

FOSHAN: Three hemophiliacs in this Pearl River Delta city have sued the Shanghai Institute of Biological Products because they believe medicines provided for their treatment led to their HIV infection.

Hemophilia is a hereditary condition in which the blood fails to clot normally. The disease is caused by a recessive gene associated with the X-chromosome and is found almost exclusively in males.

Nanfang Metropolis Daily reported that three HIV carriers are suing the institute in the Chancheng district court of Foshan and asking for 6 million yuan ($878,000) in compensation. They believe the treatment developed for their condition by the Shanghai institute from 1990 to 1996 led to their infection.