Visceral leishmaniasis: A seroprevalence analysis in blood donors living in an endemic zone in northeast Brazil
Visceral Leishmaniasis; Seroprevalence; Blood donors
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious, non-contagious disease caused by different protozoa species of the Leishmania spp. genus, notably L. infantum in New World. The disease compromises reticuloendothelial system, especially the bone marrow and spleen and has high morbimortality if not treated in a timely manner. It is an endemic disease in several countries around the world. In the Americas, Brazil represents the highest prevalence, concentrated especially in the northeast region. The southern region of the brazilian state Ceará is an endemic area of VL and, therefore, favorable for the existence of asymptomatic carriers. Laboratory tests used to screen blood donors in blood centers in Brazil do not include tests for visceral leishmaniasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate seroprevalenve of LV in blood donors. The sample included 197 blood donors, tested through imunocromatographic test (k39ICT). No positive tests were found. Therefore, taking into account the low prevalence, there is no need for including LV tests in routine tests of blood banks in this region and maybe in other endemic regions.