Which of the following is a cause for permanent deferral from blood donation?

A history of jaundice is indeed a cause for permanent deferral from blood donation due to its potential association with viral hepatitis, which poses risks of transmission to recipients. Acute viral hepatitis can be infectious even after the symptoms of jaundice resolve, and individuals who have had jaundice are often at a higher risk for carrying blood-borne pathogens. This consideration is critical for maintaining the safety of the blood supply.

In contrast, diabetes does not typically lead to a permanent deferral as long as the individual is well-managed and in good health. Residence in an endemic malaria region may warrant a temporary deferral based on recent exposure or travel, but it does not necessarily result in a permanent deferral, especially after a certain waiting period post-travel. The history of receiving a therapeutic rabies vaccine does not automatically lead to a permanent deferral, as it does not present the same concerns for blood safety as some of the other options.