[Post-transfusion malaria. Current state of the problem].
A global review of the problem of malaria accidentally transmitted by blood transfusion is reported in France during these last twenty years. A survey by IFA test of possible reservoir hosts of Plasmodium among 2571 donors from the blood transfusion Centers of Marseille and Nice is reported. The incidence of the stay (frequency and longtime) in infested countries and the interval from the last infestation possible to the IFA test are very important factors. Several preventive methods are discussed. The author proposes this scheme: the donors frequently going to infested countries will be used only for preparing chemical plasma fractions. For the other donors the blood will be used for preparing whole blood, red cells, fresh or frozen plasma, platelet and leucocyte preparations in which a few parasites can be present, only if IFA test is negative 4 months after their coming back in our country. Nevertheless this screening beginning by an interrogation can be fallible. Therefore, there is no absolute preventive method. Physicians, Surgeons and Anesthetists must be forewarned.