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Review
. 2019 Jul-Sep;41(3):262-267.
doi: 10.1016/j.htct.2018.12.001. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

Trypanosoma cruzi infection in transfusion medicine

Lina Andrea Gómez  1 , Fredy R S Gutierrez  2 , Oscar Andres Peñuela  3
Affiliations
Review

Trypanosoma cruzi infection in transfusion medicine

Lina Andrea Gómez et al. Hematol Transfus Cell Ther. 2019 Jul-Sep.

Abstract

Introduction: Infection by Trypanosoma cruzi is challenging to blood bank supplies in terms of accurate diagnosis, mostly due to its clinical complexity. Infected individuals may remain asymptomatic for years, albeit they may have circulating parasites potentially transferable to eventual receptors of a transfusion.

Objective: Although risk donors are systematically excluded through a survey, an important residual risk for transmission remains, evidencing the need to implement additional actions for the detection of T. cruzi in blood banks.

Method: A review of the scientific literature is presented with the objective of identifying relevant publications on this subject.

Results: We discuss the diagnostic considerations of this chronic infection on transfusion medicine and some recent advances in the processing of blood and derivatives units.

Conclusion: Finally, recommendations are made on how the transmission of T. cruzi can be avoided through the implementation of better diagnostic and pathogen control measures at blood banks.

Keywords: Blood banks; Blood safety; Epidemiological factors; Hemoparasite; Hemovigilance; Trypanosoma cruzi.

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