Testing for Trypanosoma cruzi in the U.S. Blood Supply

Based on data from California blood banks, testing all donors — or screening and then testing — was cost-effective; the preferred strategy would vary with site-specific risk.

Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease, can be transmitted via transfused blood products. By some estimates, more than half a million immigrants (documented and undocumented) from Latin America living in the U.S. are infected with this protozoan. An ELISA test to detect T. cruzi antibodies has been licensed by the FDA, but testing donated blood is not mandatory. To determine the best approach for U.S. blood banks, researchers assessed three strategies: serologic testing of all donations; verbal screening, with serologic testing of donations from persons positive on such screening; and no screening or testing.

The investigators surveyed 2029 blood donors at five California sites to determine risk for Chagas disease. Using a semi-Marko…

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine