[Post-transfusion malaria. Partial statistical data. Preventive approach to detecting blood donors at risk]

Area of Science:

• Medical Parasitology
• Transfusion Medicine
• Immunology

Background:

• Post-transfusion malaria, though rare, poses significant clinical risks.
• Plasmodium falciparum is identified as the primary species responsible for severe post-transfusion malaria complications.
• Current screening relies on donor history, which may be insufficient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To confirm the occurrence and define the species involved in post-transfusion malaria.
• To investigate the role of Plasmodium falciparum in severe complications.
• To propose and evaluate a prophylactic strategy based on antibody detection in donors.

Main Methods:

• Demonstration of post-transfusion malaria cases.
• Identification of Plasmodium species.
• Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (I. F. A.) using Falciparum Spot I. F. for antibody detection in at-risk donors.
• Correlation of screening results with medical history.

Main Results:

• The study confirms the existence of post-transfusion malaria.
• Plasmodium falciparum is implicated in severe complications.
• Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (I. F. A.) screening yielded satisfactory results.
• Medical history, while important, may not be fully sufficient for screening.

Conclusions:

• Post-transfusion malaria is a preventable transfusion-transmitted infection.
• Screening donors for anti-malarial antibodies, particularly against Plasmodium falciparum, is a viable prophylactic approach.
• Enhancing screening with monoclonal antibodies could improve detection rates and reduce transfusion-related malaria transmission.