Risk of transfusion-transmitted human T-cell lymphotropic virus-type I in Latin America

In a recent publication, G. Schmunis et al presented data from Latin America on blood quality and on important approaches to preventing human immmunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and other infectious diseases that may be transmitted by blood transfusion. Mass screening between 1987 and 1988 in Peru of blood from more than 90,000 donors highlighted potential problems in the donor population, and it also uncovered inappropriate practices related to the use of blood transfusions. Since then, adequate screening of the blood supply for HIV was implemented and new transfusion-related AIDS cases have been prevented during the past 8 years.