[Seroprevalence of antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum in volunteer donors from various cities in Venezuela]

Abstract

The prevalence of antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum was studied in 890 blood donors from different geographical areas of Venezuela. The overall prevalence, as established by ELISA, was (1.7%). Seropositivity was higher in those samples obtained in Sucre (2.5%) and Apure (1.7%) states both with foci of malaria transmission. It is proposed that medical history should be reinforced by screening antimalarial antibodies in donors at risk.