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[Post-transfusion malaria. Current state of the problem]
Revue Francaise De Transfusion Et Immuno-Hematologie
|April 1, 1981
Summary
Preventing transfusion-transmitted malaria in France involves screening blood donors with IFA tests. Donors frequently traveling to malaria-endemic regions require special consideration to ensure blood safety.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Malaria transmission via blood transfusion poses a significant public health risk, particularly in non-endemic regions.
- A review of transfusion-transmitted malaria cases in France over the past two decades highlights the need for robust screening protocols.
- Identifying asymptomatic Plasmodium carriers among blood donors is crucial for preventing accidental malaria transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of malaria parasites in blood donors in France.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of existing screening methods for transfusion-transmitted malaria.
- To propose improved preventive strategies for malaria transmission through blood transfusion.
Main Methods:
- A survey utilizing the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody (IFA) test was conducted on 2571 blood donors from Marseille and Nice.
- Analysis considered donor travel history, including frequency and duration of stays in malaria-endemic countries.
- The time interval between potential exposure and IFA testing was a key factor in the evaluation.
Main Results:
- The study identified Plasmodium reservoir hosts among the surveyed blood donors.
- Donor travel history (frequency, duration, and recency of visits to endemic areas) significantly impacts malaria transmission risk.
- IFA test results, particularly when negative 4 months post-return from endemic areas, are crucial for risk assessment.
Conclusions:
- A proposed scheme suggests using donors with frequent travel to endemic areas solely for preparing plasma fractions.
- For other donors, blood products (whole blood, red cells, plasma, platelets, leukocytes) can be used if IFA tests are negative 4 months after return.
- Screening through interrogation alone is fallible; no absolute preventive method exists, necessitating continued vigilance among healthcare professionals.