Transmisión de infecciones bacterianas y parasitarias por transfusiones de sangre y sus componentes

although the infections caused by viral agents are very important among the transfusion-borne diseases, the danger represented by bacteria and some protozoa cannot be ignored. data on the transcendence of the transmission by treponema pallidum, causative of syphilis, and on some other bacteria that may contaminate the blood bags or their components, particularly the platelet concentrates, are given. emphasis is made on the importance of the hygienic and sanitary measures that should be taken in the fixed or mobile blood collection centres. moreover, the main parasites such as tripanosomas cruzi, causing american tripasonomiasis or chagas' disease, and the genus plasmodium producing malaria, which are responsible for the highest number of transfusion-borne infections in latin america, are mentioned. these infectious diseases that are exotic for cuba make us adopt epidemiological measures to maintain the safety of the blood that is transfused in the country.