Transmission of Chagas Disease Through Transplants from an Infected Donor

Uninfected recipients who receive an organ from an infected donor may develop Chagas disease.

Transmission is not universal. In one series of 16 uninfected recipients of kidneys from infected donors, only 3 (19%) acquired T. cruzi infection.

Transmission by organ transplantation is relatively rare. Some organ procurement organizations are screening donors based on their history of residence in endemic areas.