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# South American trypanosomiasis - Whole blood and components

Also known as: Chagas disease

## Essential information

Includes

  Donors who will donate whole blood, platelets and other cellular components.

Excludes

  Donors who will only donate plasma for fractionation. For these donors, see South American trypanosomiasis - plasmapheresis donors.

### Scenarios

Affected individual

Obligatory

  Must not donate.

Discretionary

  South American trypanosomiasis is caused by infection with a protozoal parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. It is a persistent infection that is known to be transmitted by transfusion. At present, there is no certain cure for the infection so anyone who has ever been infected cannot donate.

Risk

Obligatory

  Must not donate if:

  1. Born in South America or Central America (including Mexico).
  2. Mother was born in South America or Central America (including Mexico).
  3. Has had a transfusion in South America or Central America (including Mexico).
  4. Has lived and/or worked in rural subsistence farming communities in these countries for a continuous period of 4 weeks or more.
Discretionary

  If at least 4 months following the date of last exposure (or if transfused prior to 1980) and a validated test for T. cruzi antibody is negative, accept.

See if relevant
  - Geographical Disease Risk Index for countries with a current T. cruzi risk
  - Transfusion
Additional information

  Infection with T. cruzi is very common in many parts of South or Central America and is often symptomless. It can be passed from an infected mother to her unborn baby and by transfusion. The insect that passes the infection on is only common in rural areas and the greater time that an individual has spent living in housing conditions with thatched roofs or mud lined walls which harbour the insect vector, the greater their risk of becoming infected.

  Testing is available and should be performed if there is a possibility of infection. Waiting 4 months from the last time of exposure allows time for the antibodies that are tested for to develop.

  Camping or trekking in the jungle in South or Central America (including Mexico) is not considered a high enough risk to merit exclusion.

## Supporting information

Regulatory information

  This entry is a requirement of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005.

Reason for change:
  Entry updated to exclude donors who will only donate plasma for fractionation.
Version details:

  WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 71 (02 May 2024)

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