Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in blood banks of seven departments of Bolivia

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 1990 Jan-Mar;85(1):69-73. doi: 10.1590/s0074-02761990000100011.

Abstract

Trypanosoma cruzi infection was studied in 1,298 sera samples of blood banks from 7 capital departments of Bolivia, using the immunofluorescence test (IFI) and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The percentages of positivity in these 7 departments have an average of 28% and are distributed as follows: Sta. Cruz 51%, Tarija 45%, Cochabamba 28%, Sucre 39%, La Paz 4.9%, Oruro 6% and Potosi 24%. The prevalence is related with the altitude levels of the different departments. However in Potosi (3,945 m) we found a 24% of prevalence, probably due to the proximity of endemic valleys to the city. The authors suggest a strict control in blood donors since there exists a great risk of infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blood Banks*
  • Bolivia / epidemiology
  • Chagas Disease / epidemiology*
  • Chagas Disease / transmission
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Transfusion Reaction