Asymptomatic infection by <i>Leishmania infantum</i> in blood donors from the Balearic Islands (Spain)

Abstract

Cryptic Leishmania infection is highly prevalent in blood donors from the Balearic Islands. DTH and L. infantum nested PCR appear to be more sensitive to detect asymptomatic infection than the serology. The use of leukodepletion filters appears to remove parasites from RBC units efficiently.