[Transfusional malaria in France (1960-1979) (author's transl)].

Transfusional Malaria is not a rare condition in France: in the past 20 years, 110 cases were cited in the literature and/or reported to us in answers to a recent questionnaire. Of these, 24 cases occurred between 1960 and 1969 and 78 between 1970 and 1979. This apparent increase in occurrence in the past decade is most probably due to the increase in the number of transfusions of whole blood or fresh fractions containing infected erythrocytes, although population exchanges with inter-tropical Africa may also play a preponderant role. Our study confirms that Plasmodium falciparum is the most prevalent pathogen responsible for this condition in France; it caused 84% of cases in the past five years. We think this point must be taken in account by the legislator.