Presence of anti-Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis antibodies in blood donors in the West-Central region of the State of Parana, Brazil

Introduction: Serological screening in blood banks does not include all transmittable diseases. American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) has a high detection rate in the municipalities of the State of Parana. Methods: This study analyzed the presence of anti-Leishmania braziliensis antibodies in 176 blood donors who live in these endemic areas. The variables were analyzed with the chi(2) test and Stata 9.1 software. Results: Twenty (11.4%) samples were positive for the presence of anti-L. braziliensis antibodies. Conclusions: The high percentage of donors with anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies indicates the need to study the risk of ACL transmission through blood donors.