Trans-sialidase inhibition Assay for the detection of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in blood donor samples from Argentina

BLEJER J; SARTOR P; BOTTASSO O; SALOMONE HJ; LEGUIZAMON MS

VOX SANGUINIS

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Año: 2008 vol. 95 p. 189 - 196

0042-9007

Background and Objectives Conventional serology tests for  Trypanosoma cruzi blood banks screening are neither sensitive nor specific enough, and currently no gold standard assay is available. Trans -sialidase inhibition assay (TIA) detects neutralizingantibodies against T. cruzi trans-sialidase. Conventional serology inconclusive, positive and negative blood donor samples were evaluated by employing TIA as a supplementary test. Materials and Methods Three hundred and twenty-one blood donor samples were tested using a combination of assays. Based on the results of testing, these were divided into a number of groups. All samples were tested by TIA. Results In conventional serology inconclusive samples 48·1% were TIA-positive, 1/54 conventional serology positive samples was TIA-negative. All negative samples from donors without epidemiological risks were TIA-negative; 1/48 was positive in those with epidemiological risk. Conclusion Trans-sialidase inhibition assay application in blood banks may be usefulto resolve inconclusive samples, and thus improves donor counseling and allows individual re-entry. The use of TIA in samples from negative conventional test donors but positive epidemiological antecedents may contribute to decrease transfusional risk.Conventional serology tests for  Trypanosoma cruzi blood banks screening are neither sensitive nor specific enough, and currently no gold standard assay is available. Trans -sialidase inhibition assay (TIA) detects neutralizingantibodies against T. cruzi trans-sialidase. Conventional serology inconclusive, positive and negative blood donor samples were evaluated by employing TIA as a supplementary test. Materials and Methods Three hundred and twenty-one blood donor samples were tested using a combination of assays. Based on the results of testing, these were divided into a number of groups. All samples were tested by TIA. Results In conventional serology inconclusive samples 48·1% were TIA-positive, 1/54 conventional serology positive samples was TIA-negative. All negative samples from donors without epidemiological risks were TIA-negative; 1/48 was positive in those with epidemiological risk. Conclusion Trans-sialidase inhibition assay application in blood banks may be usefulto resolve inconclusive samples, and thus improves donor counseling and allows individual re-entry. The use of TIA in samples from negative conventional test donors but positive epidemiological antecedents may contribute to decrease transfusional risk.