Tickborne Diseases in Recipients of Transfusions and Transplants

During the past decade, incidence of ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis (caused by obligate intracellular bacteria that infect humans via the bites of various tick species) has risen by 10- to 20-fold. In many cases, the infection is asymptomatic and goes undiagnosed, even though detection in leukocytes — the carrying cell type — can often be accomplished with simple microscopic examination. Confirmation is achieved through polymerase chain reaction or fluorescent antibody testing. If acute infection goes undiagnosed, however, patients with active infection may unknowingly be selected as donors of blood products or organs. Recipients, especially those who are immunosuppressed, are at excess risk for ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis.

Escalating repor…