Transfusional Malaria and Associated Factors at the National Blood Transfusion Center of Niamey-Niger: Global Perspective

Aminata Iro; Moustapha Mahamane Lamine; Ramatoulaye Hamidou Lazoumar; Ibrahim Alkassoum; Daou Maman; Harouna Amadou Mahaman Laouali; Mahamadou Doutchi; Seydou Maiguizo; Ibrahim Maman Laminou

Aminata Iro Faculte� de Science de la Sante�, l�Universite� de Niamey, Niger.
Moustapha Mahamane Lamine Universite� Check Anta Diop de Dakar, Senegal and Unit� de Paludologie-Entomlogie M�dicale, Centre de Recherche M�dicale et Sanitaire, Niamey-Niger.
Ramatoulaye Hamidou Lazoumar Unit� de Paludologie-Entomlogie M�dicale, Centre de Recherche M�dicale et Sanitaire, Niamey-Niger.
Ibrahim Alkassoum Faculte� de Science de la Sante�, l�Universite� de Niamey, Niger.
Daou Maman Faculte� de Science de la Sante�, l�Universite� de Niamey, Niger and Ho�pital National de Niamey, Niger.
Harouna Amadou Mahaman Laouali Universite� de Maradi, Niger.
Mahamadou Doutchi Universite� de Zinder, Niger.
Seydou Maiguizo Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine de Niamey, Niger.
Ibrahim Maman Laminou Unit� de Paludologie-Entomlogie M�dicale, Centre de Recherche M�dicale et Sanitaire, Niamey-Niger.

Keywords: Transfusional malaria, Plasmodium, blood transfusion, pretransfusion, posttransfusion

Abstract

Transfusional malaria is an accidental transmission of Plasmodium via a blood transfusion. Its magnitude is underestimated and very little data on the assessment of this risk are available in Niger. However, the blood requirement for sickle cell anemia and children suffering from severe malaria with anemia is very important.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of plasmodial infection of blood bags at the National Blood Transfusion Center of Niamey (NBTC).

Methodology: A cross-sectional study to diagnose Plasmodium infection by microscopy and Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) was carried out during the rainy season (September to November 2015). Blood grouping was performed by the BETH-VINCENT technique.

Results: One thousand three hundred and fifty-seven (1357) blood bags were collected. One hundred and fifty-seven (11.6%) of the donors were infected with Plasmodium by microscopy and 2.4% (9/369) by rapid diagnostic test. All infections were with P. falciparum (100%). The mean parasite density was 197 parasites/uL (SD=281; [80: 2000]). There were no significant differences in infection prevalence between the ABO blood groups (p = 0.3) or the rhesus positivity (p=08). There is also no significant difference in temporal (p = 0.1) and spatial (p = 0.6) distribution.

Conclusion: The transmission of transfusional malaria during the rainy season is a fact in Niger. Such risks were independent of the ABO blood type and positivity for the rhesus antigen. Pretransfusion diagnosis or posttransfusion therapy should be instituted to prevent it.