[Transfusion transmission of Chagas disease in Honduras and other Central American countries].

The transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi through blood transfusion is the second most important way of acquiring Chagas disease. This form of transmission transcends the vectorial transmission in many geographical areas. Honduras has developed a successful program for the control of transfusional transmission, based on the serological screening of blood donors, which is supported by law, making it mandatory. This experience has been extended to other Central American countries, supported by PAHO. Actually in the framework of the Initiative of the Central American countries for the elimination of the transmission of Chagas disease, launched in 1997, the control of transfusional transmission is becoming a reality.