Importance of subclinical malaria detection in blood donors from non-endemic areas

Abstract

In this project we intend to determine the presence of subclinical malaria infection (by serological and molecular methods) in 600 candidates for blood donation, potentially asymptomatic for malaria, who carne (or at least had contact) from regions with remaining parts of Atlantic Forest in the State of São Paulo. Other 600 general blood donors from other areas of the city of São Paulo will also be studied. The purposes of the study are: - to evaluate and validate the main methods, serological and molecular, for the efficient detection of malaria subclinical infection in blood donors. To know the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria-infected blood donors from several regions of São Paulo State to identify the subjects with subclinical malaria, asymptomatic reservoirs of the parasite, leading them for treatment, in order to impair the involuntary transmission through blood donation. To establish and evaluate the areas where those blood donors carne from (Atlantic Forest, etc.), and the reasons for the possible exposure (work, home, etc.). To determine the better methods for the detection of the low-grade parasitemia carriers - to elaborate and validate a questionnaire specific for non-endemic areas, that includes the possibility of malaria infection. These results could be immediately applied by SUS. They will increase the quality of blood supply by impairing the contamination, mainly in immunodepressed patients. They will also decrease the percentage of blood donors’ refusal. (AU)