Anti-Leishmania antibodies in blood donors from the Midwest region of Brazil.

The aim of the study was to detect asymptomatic infection by Leishmania sp. in blood donors. Serum samples (430) were tested by Immunofluorescent Antibody Test, and an interview with the blood donors was carried out. Antibodies were detected in 15.6% of samples. The variables associated with the infection were: origin of the donor, presence of builds, parks or squares, sick dog in the neighborhood, and neighboring with leishmaniasis. It was observed association between origin of donors and the presence of sick dog. It is important a careful screening of donors, due to the risk of infection through blood transfusion.