Seropositivity for Chagas disease in blood donors from the state of Alagoas, Northeastern Brazil: an 11-year time series study

Abstract

Abstract INTRODUCTION Chagas disease can be transmitted by blood transfusion. Herein, we assessed the seropositivity for Chagas disease in blood donors from Alagoas, during 2010-2020. METHODS Data were requested from the Alagoas blood center. Time trend analysis was performed using a joinpoint regression model. RESULTS Seropositivity rate during the study period was 0.35%, which decreased from 2014 to 2020, (annual percentage change, APC = -29.38; p-value <0.05), while the total number of tests performed remained stable (APC = 6.5). CONCLUSIONS Despite the drop in the seropositivity for Chagas infection in donors, it is imperative to maintain the screening of donors for the epidemiological control.

Keywords

• Chagas disease
• Blood donors
• Transfusional transmission disease