Chagas Disease

Overview

Chagas disease, a serious and potentially fatal infection, is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a blood-borne parasite. Triatomine bugs can carry this parasite and infect people and animals. According to recent CDC data, about 8 million people globally and an estimated 288,000 people in the United States are infected with T. cruzi. Movement of individuals living with Chagas disease from rural regions to urban centers and across international borders has reshaped the geographic distribution of the disease. Autochthonous (locally acquired) human cases have been reported in eight states, including Texas, California, and Arizona.

Although only a few cases of blood transfusion- or organ transplantation-transmitted cases have been reported in the U.S., it is well-accepted that many other cases have occurred but have not been recognized. Donor screening questions have not been shown to successfully identify risk in U.S. blood donors. The FDA recommends that allogeneic donors should be tested at least one time using a licensed test for antibodies to T. cruzi. Donors who test nonreactive are qualified to return to donate without further testing of subsequent donations.

On behalf of the transfusion medicine and cellular therapies community, AABB works directly with the FDA or through government advisory committees as part of ongoing, collaborative efforts to protect against the transmission of T. cruzi through blood and human cells, tissue, and cellular- and tissue-based products. In addition, AABB provides guidance to establishments while working with public health officials to monitor infection outbreaks.

For more information on Chagas Disease visit the CDC Chagas Disease webpage.