Babesia Screening in the U.S. Blood Supply

An investigational screening protocol used in high-risk regions appears effective in eliminating transfusion-associated babesiosis.

Transmission of Babesia microti via transfusion of cellular blood products can cause severe infection in immunocompromised or asplenic patients. Transfusion-associated babesiosis occurred in at least 162 cases between 1979 and 2009. The lack of an FDA-approved test has limited the screening of blood donors.

Between June 2012 and September 2014, the American Red Cross screened blood donors in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin with an investigational testing protocol including an immunoglobulin G arrayed fluorescence immunoassay (AFIA) to detect B. microti antibodies and polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) assay to detect B. microti DNA. The tests' manufacturer provided partial study funding. Positive samples were removed from t…

Reviewing Author

Sonia Nagy Chimienti, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Sonia Nagy Chimienti, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Babesia Screening in the U.S. Blood Supply

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Reviewing Author