Transfusion-transmitted babesiosis in the United States: summary of a workshop.
Infections of humans with intraerythrocytic parasites of the genus Babesia can be locally prevalent in diverse regions of the United States. Transfusion of blood and blood products collected from donors infected with Babesia may result in a serious illness that can be fatal. In September 2008, the Food and Drug Administration organized a public workshop to discuss the various aspects of transfusion-transmitted babesiosis in the United States including the possible strategies to identify and defer blood donors who may have been infected with Babesia. Discussions were also held on the biology, pathogenesis, and epidemiology of Babesia species. In this article, we summarize the scientific presentations and panel discussions that took place during the workshop.
Gubernot
Diane M
DM
Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, Maryland 20852, USA.
Nakhasi
Hira L
HL
Mied
Paul A
PA
Asher
David M
DM
Epstein
Jay S
JS
Kumar
Sanjai
S
D001403:Babesia / Q000254:growth & development*; D001404:Babesiosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D065227:Transfusion Reaction; D014481:United States