Deadly Parasite In Southern California
Chagas disease, a parasite most often transmitted by insects, was long thought isolated to rural areas of South and Central America. The disease is now gaining attention in the U.S. Concerns have been raised as the disease can also be transferred through blood and organs.
Public health officials are monitoring the disease, with particular attention to disease rates among donations at blood banks. The American Red Cross, in a study of blood donors in Los Angeles, documented prevalence rate as one in every 9,850 with infection in 1996. In 2006, that rate jumped to one in 3,800 donors who test positive for the parasite, trypanosoma cruzi. that causes Chagas disease.
In December 2006, the FDA approved a test for widespread screening of the parasite. Many blood banks plan to implement the test for widespread screening of blood supplies. The FDA is expected to issue guidelines requiring that the test be included in standard screening procedures for blood and organ donation.
The disease can have devastating effects if untreated, including organ failure. The acute phase of disease is often more severe among immunocompromised patients such as recipient of organ transplant. Further information about Chagas Disease is available from the CDC.
March 15, 2007 Related topics: Legal & legislative, Product Approval & Certification, Hygiene & Cleanliness