Prevalence of Babesia in Canadian blood donors: June-October 2018

Author:

Tonnetti, L, O'Brien, SF, Gregoire, Y, Proctor, MC, Drews, SJ, Delage, G, Fearon, M, Bres, MA, Linnen, JM, and Stramer, SL

Publication type:

Journal Article

Publication date:

2019-08

Journal/Series title:

Transfusion

URL:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/trf.15470

Abstract:

This is the largest B. microti prevalence study performed in Canada. The results indicate very low prevalence, with only one TMA-confirmed-positive donation of 50,752 tested. This donor was from the only region in Canada where autochthonous infection has been reported. Seropositive donations in southwestern Ontario suggest low prevalence; travel should not be ruled out given the proximity to the US border.