Serological screening for Leishmania infantum in asymptomatic blood donors living in an endemic area (Sicily, Italy)

Transfus Apher Sci. 2005 Nov;33(3):311-4. doi: 10.1016/j.transci.2005.07.009. Epub 2005 Oct 4.

Abstract

The purpose of our study was to assess whether Leishmania infantum parasitemia occurs in asymptomatic Leishmania-seropositive subjects. Samples from 500 blood donors were tested using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Anti-Leishmania antibodies were not found in any sample. Our findings suggest that the risk of L. infantum transmission by blood transfusion in Sicily is very low.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood*
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / immunology
  • Blood Donors*
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Leishmania infantum / immunology*
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / blood
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / immunology
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / transmission

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan