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Trans ‐sialidase inhibition assay for the detection of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in blood donor samples from Argentina
Author(s) -
Blejer J. L.,
Sartor P. A.,
Bottasso O.,
Salamone H. J.,
Leguizamón M. S.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
vox sanguinis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.68
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1423-0410
pISSN - 0042-9007
DOI - 10.1111/j.1423-0410.2008.01088.x
Subject(s) - serology , trypanosoma cruzi , gold standard (test) , antibody , virology , epidemiology , medicine , chagas disease , immunology , biology , parasite hosting , world wide web , computer science
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 neutralizing antibodies 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 useful to 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.