1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8) pertaining to the 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, Employee Stock Purchase
Plan and 1998 Non-Officer Stock Option Plan of Cerus Corporation of our report
dated January 22, 1999, except for Note 2 as to which the date is January 30,
1999, and Note 5, as to which the date is March 3, 1999, with respect to the
financial statements of Cerus Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1998, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.



Walnut Creek, California
March 29, 1999