Duration of Storage Reduced Erythrocytes Profiles and Plasmodium Viability in Donor Blood

BACKGROUND: Malaria screening for blood derived from any donors prior to transfusions is a standard procedure that should be performed; but, in fact, it is not routinely conducted. In case of the blood is infected with Plasmodium spp., the survival of parasites may be depending on, or even influencing, the profile of red blood cells (RBCs). METHODS: This observational longitudinal study was conducted upon 55 bags of donor blood that randomly selected. Malaria infections were detected using Rapid Diagnostic Test/RDT with thin and thick blood smear confirmation. The changes of Plasmodium spp. viability and RBCs profiles, as well as other hematological parameters, were observed from the results of routine hematological examinations which were performed on days 1,7,14 and 21 of storage. RESULTS: Among 55 blood samples, there were 17 and 38 bags, respectively, positive and negative for malaria, then used for analysis as the case and control groups. There were significant decreasing values (p<0.05) of all routine blood examination parameters of donor blood, started from days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28. There were no differences in decreasing profiles between those infected and non-infected donor blood (p>0.05). On days 21 and 28 none of the positive samples still contained parasites. CONCLUSION: Erythrocytes profiles of donor blood significantly decreased with the duration of storage, but were not influenced by the presence of Plasmodium spp.