Transfusion transmitted leishmaniasis. What to do with blood donors from endemic areas?

Leishmaniasis clinical spectrum ranges from cryptic infection to fatal visceral leishmaniasis. Cryptic infection can be found in blood donors from areas endemic for leishmaniasis all over the world. Although leishmaniasis is a classic vector-borne disease, cases of transfusion transmitted leishmaniasis have been reported especially in nonendemic areas. Most of these cases regarded infants or children. This paper reviews the literature on this specific feature and the impact of leishmaniasis on transfusion medicine. Relevant literature was found through PubMed. The reference lists of selected articles identified further sources.

Blood donations by emigrants or travelers from endemic areas require special attention. Routine diagnostic methods should be implemented in blood banks to exclude donors that are positive for Leishmania, and individuals who suffered from visceral leishmaniasis should be prohibited from donating blood. The use of leukodepletion filters at the time of collection should be recommended in at-risk areas especially for high-risk recipients.