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                                  EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Cerus Corporation
for the registration of 1,200,000 shares of its Common Stock and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 27, 2000, except
for Note 9 as to which the date is February 16, 2000, with respect to the
financial statements of Cerus Corporation included in its Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.


                                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Walnut Creek, California
September 27, 2000