Transfusion-Transmitted Malaria in Iran: A Narrative Review Article
Ahmad Mardani1, Hossein Keshavarz2, Ali Akbar Pourfathollah1
1Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran.
Iranian Journal of Parasitology
|January 19, 2017
Summary
Transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) was historically significant in Iran, primarily caused by Plasmodium malariae. Current donor screening methods appear effective in preventing TTM, as no cases have been reported in decades.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
- Public Health
Background:
- Malaria is a major transfusion-transmitted infection (TTI) globally, second only to viral hepatitis and HIV.
- Transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) poses a significant public health challenge.
Conclusions:
- The absence of reported TTM cases in the last 30 years suggests the effectiveness of current blood donor screening protocols.
- Interviewer-based donor selection is a crucial strategy in preventing transfusion-transmitted malaria.


