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Post transfusion malaria: current state in Tunisia (new case reported in 2016)
La Tunisie Medicale
|September 20, 2019
Summary
A rare case of post-transfusion malaria (PTM) occurred in Tunisia, likely transmitted via blood transfusion from an asymptomatic donor. This highlights the risk of PTM even with negative initial tests, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
- Public Health
Background:
- Tunisia has been malaria-free since 1979, with most cases being imported.
- Blood transfusions are essential medical procedures but carry potential risks, including transfusion-transmitted infections.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old Tunisian patient developed unexplained fever post-allograft and blood transfusion.
- Parasitological and molecular tests on the donor were initially negative, except for positive indirect immunofluorescence serology.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with Plasmodium falciparum malaria, highly probable via transfusion.
- Real-time PCR confirmed Plasmodium falciparum in the donor, despite negative rapid tests and nested PCR.
Implications:
- Blood transfusion is a viable transmission route for malaria, even with low parasite loads.
- Post-transfusion malaria (PTM) should be considered in unexplained fevers following transfusions.
- Stricter PTM prevention strategies are crucial in non-endemic countries like Tunisia.
