Mechanisms of transfusion-linked parasite infection

Besides bacteriae and viruses, parasite infections can be transmitted by blood as a consequence of blood transfusion. To be transmitted by blood transfusion, parasites must: -i) circulate in the blood stream of donors, -ii) comprise of certain physical characteristics and resist processing steps leading to the preparation of labile blood products (packed red blood cells, therapeutic frozen plasma, or platelet concentrates), -iii) survive conservation, further, to generate infection in the blood receiver, such parasites must retain infectivity. In this Forum, the main characteristics of parasites-with respect to transmissibility by blood exposure-are recalled. This forum will further discuss each of these topics and try to make an issue with possible risks in transfusion, in countries that are either non-endemic for the given parasite or which can afford implementation of preventive measures. (c) 2007 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.