Molecular Screening for Transfusion Transmissible P. falciparum in Asymptomatic Blood Donors in the Non-endemic Region

Transfusion-transmitted malaria remains a critical problem for blood banks due to a symptomatic of Plasmodium infection. Malaria screening is not listed in the blood-borne pathogens screening protocol in Sudan, and the test of malaria is not routine in the blood banks for donors. We aimed to detect Plasmodium falciparum among asymptomatic blood donors in a blood bank in Sudan –Khartoum. 450 blood samples were collected and screened using microscopy, ICT, and PCR. Using the Guanidine Hydrochloride method, the genetic agent was extracted from the samples. All examined samples were negative by microscopy and PCR for the 18SssrRNA Plasmodium falciparum gene. All donors were Sudanese males, and their ages ranged between 20-49 years old with a mean 31 ±1.45 SD. While 8 (4%) were positive by ICT, the majority of positive subjects 5 (1.1%) were in the age group between 20-29 years old, however, 192 (42.7%) of donors were in the age group 40-49. Concerning residence, 424 (94.2%) of the participants were from Khartoum state, and 15 (3.3%) from the state of Gaziera; where one-third of them 5 (1.1%) were positive by ICT, the result was insignificant (P value=0.09). The prevalence rate of transfusion transmission malaria is 0%, although all results are negative, this does not prevent transmitted malaria through blood donors. Although the control and preventive measure for blood transfusion biosafety in Khartoum blood banks are valid and adequate, and a molecular diagnosis should run besides routine blood smear.