Trypanosoma cruzi infection in transfusion medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Infection by Trypanosoma cruzi is challenging to blood bank supplies in terms ofaccurate diagnosis, mostly due to its clinical complexity. Infected individuals may remainasymptomatic for years, albeit they may have circulating parasites potentially transferableto eventual receptors of a transfusion.Objective: Although risk donors are systematically excluded through a survey, an importantresidual risk for transmission remains, evidencing the need to implement additional actionsfor the detection of T. cruzi in blood banks.Method: A review of the scientific literature is presented with the objective of identifyingrelevant publications on this subject.Results: We discuss the diagnostic considerations of this chronic infection on transfusionmedicine 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 beavoided through the implementation of better diagnostic and pathogen control measuresat blood banks.