What Happens to Blood Donors Who Test Positive for Chagas Disease?

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What Happens to Blood Donors Who Test Positive for Chagas Disease?
What Happens to Blood Donors Who Test Positive for Chagas Disease?
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Fast Facts

  • CDC estimates 300,000 or more Trypanosoma cruzi-infected individuals of Hispanic origin currently live in the United States.
  • Despite being counseled to seek medical care, only approximately 11% of Chagas seropositive blood donors have contacted CDC for consultation regarding treatment.
  • Chagas disease may be life threatening even when the patient feels well. Evaluation and treatment can be life saving.

Chagas Disease Background

  • Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and is transmitted by infected insects called triatomines
  • Chagas disease can also be transmitted by blood transfusion, organ transplantation, congenital exposure, lab accidents, and contaminated food and drink
  • Chagas disease is endemic throughout much of Mexico, Central America, and South America, where an estimated 8–11 million persons are infected
  • Chagas disease can include cardiac and gastrointestinal manifestations
  • There is a small risk of acquiring Chagas disease through infected triatomine bugs in the U.S.
  • The parasite, vectors, and infected animals have been found in many parts of the southern United States

Blood Donor Screening

  • Screening of the U.S. blood supply for Chagas disease began in early 2007, leading to increased identification of people with Chagas disease
  • It is estimated that 1 in every 27,500 donors tests positive for Chagas disease nationwide:

Are Positive Blood Donors Receiving Evaluation and Treatment?

  • Treatment may prevent progression to more serious disease
  • Since blood donor screening began, the number of requests to CDC for consultation and drug release for Chagas disease has increased markedly
  • However, only approximately 11% of positive donors or their physicians have contacted CDC for consultation regarding treatment

Possible Barriers Preventing Positive Donors from Seeking Evaluation and Treatment

  • There is very limited awareness of Chagas disease among patients
  • Many patients believe there is no effective treatment
  • Many patients have limited or no health insurance coverage
  • Language barriers exist, as many patients speak only Spanish
  • There may be patient concern about immigration status
  • There is a lack of awareness of Chagas disease among physicians

Physician Lack of Awareness of Chagas Disease

  • Survey of American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) members:
    • Most members described their knowledge of Chagas disease as very limited
    • Most members reported never considering the diagnosis of Chagas disease among patients from endemic countries
  • Survey of members of MedscapeCME, a leading provider of online clinical and medical information for physicians and other healthcare professionals, indicated:
    • Substantial knowledge deficits, especially among obstetricians and gynecologists

Resources for Chagas Disease Blood Donor Counseling in the United States

Toxocariasis is a preventable disease. Healthcare providers should counsel patients on prevention strategies, including:

  • Fact sheets and additional resources are available at www.cdc.gov/chagas
  • You may contact your local health department regarding:
    • Resources available for positive donors
    • Referral to local physician
  • CDC services, including physician consultation, testing, and treatment are available