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                                  EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8) pertaining to the 1999 Equity Incentive 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.



                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                          ----------------------

                                            Ernst & Young LLP

Walnut Creek, California
August 2, 1999





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