Global challenges of malaria risk - perspectives from Transfusion-transmitted malaria

Owusu-Ofori, Alex, Owusu-Ofori, Shirley and Bates, Imelda ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0862-8199 (2017) 'Global challenges of malaria risk - perspectives from Transfusion-transmitted malaria'. ISBT Science Series, Vol 12, Issue 1, pp. 68-72.

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Abstract

Malaria is a protozoan disease that is transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito. It can however be transmitted by blood transfusion if the blood donor is parasitaemic. Of the five species of Plasmodium that causes malaria, P. falciparum causes the most severe form of malaria. Nearly half of the world’s population is at risk of malaria. Mortality due to malaria has reduced by 48% from 839,000 deaths in 2000 to 438,000 deaths in 2015. This is largely due to a combination of two approaches, vector control and effective antimalarial drugs
There are challenges to be encountered in managing malaria risk. Some have evolved from the interventions while others may be inherent with parasite. The complex life cycle of the plasmodium parasite and the different stages it undergoes both in the mosquito and human requires a multifaceted approach to reduce or eliminate the burden of malaria.
The challenges faced in transfusion-transmitted malaria mirrors the global malaria risk. The presence of parasitaemia in blood donors represents a risk for the transmission of malaria by transfusion as well as serving as a reservoir for environmental transmission. Yet, there is no ideal method for parasite detection.
There is the need for institutions such as National Blood Services and Malaria Control programmes to collaborate and lead joint interventions that reduce the malaria risk. Such collaborations should also involve stake holders such as academia, policy makers, funders, governments and international organizations.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	WB Practice of Medicine > Therapeutics > WB 356 Blood transfusion WC Communicable Diseases > Tropical and Parasitic Diseases > WC 750 Malaria WC Communicable Diseases > Tropical and Parasitic Diseases > WC 765 Prevention and control WH Hemic and Lymphatic Systems > Hematologic Diseases. Immunologic Factors. Blood Banks > WH 460 Blood bank procedures
Faculty: Department:	Clinical Sciences & International Health > International Public Health Department
Digital Object Identifer (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1111/voxs.12318
Depositing User:	Rachel Dominguez
Date Deposited:	05 Dec 2016 16:52
Last Modified:	22 Oct 2019 08:23
URI:	https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/6414

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