Biomedical
Prevalence of Leishmaniasis among Blood Donors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Maria Kantzanou,
Evangelos Kostares,
Georgia Kostare,
Evangelia Papagiannopoulou,
Michael Kostares,
Athanasios Tsakris
Peer Reviewed
Abstract
Our study seeks to provide a comprehensive assessment of leishmaniasis prevalence among blood donors, employing rigorous methodologies to inform public health initiatives and transfusion safety measures. A thorough literature search was conducted using electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) to identify the relevant studies reporting the prevalence of leishmaniasis among blood donors, gathering a wide range of studies encompassing different geographic locations and time periods. The pooled prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated, and quality assessment, outlier analysis, and influential analysis were performed to ensure the robustness and validity of the findings. Our search and subsequent analyses led to the inclusion of thirty-five studies in our review. Using molecular diagnostic methods, the prevalence was estimated at 2.3% (95% CI 1–3.9%), while serological diagnostic methods indicated a higher prevalence rate of 4.5% (95% CI 2.8–6.7%). Notably, we observed significant heterogeneity among the included studies for each analysis. The observed heterogeneity highlights the need for future research to delve into the factors influencing leishmaniasis prevalence, with prospective and retrospective studies addressing the limitations identified in this review.
Key Questions and Answers
1. What is the overall prevalence of leishmaniasis in blood donors?
The systematic review and meta-analysis indicate a moderate prevalence of leishmaniasis in blood donors, with varying rates across different regions. The overall estimate suggests that leishmaniasis is an under-recognized risk in blood transfusion practices.
2. How do geographical regions affect the prevalence of leishmaniasis among blood donors?
Regions with endemic leishmaniasis show significantly higher prevalence in blood donors. Countries from South America, Asia, and parts of Africa report higher rates of infection compared to non-endemic areas.
3. What diagnostic methods are most effective in identifying leishmaniasis in blood donations?
Serological tests, PCR, and microscopy are the most commonly used diagnostic methods. However, PCR offers higher sensitivity and specificity, making it the preferred method for detection in blood samples.
4. What are the potential risks of transmitting leishmaniasis through blood transfusions?
Transmission of leishmaniasis through blood transfusions is possible, particularly in endemic areas. Infected blood may carry the parasite, risking transmission to recipients, especially immunocompromised individuals.
5. How can blood donation screening protocols be improved to prevent the spread of leishmaniasis?
Improving blood screening protocols involves implementing routine testing for leishmaniasis in endemic regions and utilizing more sensitive diagnostic techniques like PCR to detect asymptomatic carriers.
