Transfusion-Associated Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in a Non-Endemic Area

Abstract

Brief Reports15 November 1989Transfusion-Associated Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in a Non-Endemic AreaPeter Nickerson, MD, Pamela Orr, MD, Maria-Louise Schroeder, MD, Leila Sekla, MD, James B. Johnston, MDPeter Nickerson, MDSearch for more papers by this author, Pamela Orr, MDSearch for more papers by this author, Maria-Louise Schroeder, MDSearch for more papers by this author, Leila Sekla, MDSearch for more papers by this author, James B. Johnston, MDSearch for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-111-10-851 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptOpportunistic infections have become a major cause of morbidity in the immunocompromised host. In patients with neutropenia, such infections often arise from their own indigenous flora; however, another potential mode of infection is the transmission of blood-borne organisms by transfusions. Patients with granulocytopenia who receive multiple blood products during chemotherapy are especially prone to transfusion-associated infections. We describe the first case of transfusion-associated acute Chagas disease in a nonendemic area of North America.Case ReportIn June 1986, a 1-year-old infant presented with a cerebral thrombosis and was subsequently found to have protein S deficiency. When the family was screened,...