Transmission of Parasites by Blood Transfusion

A number of parasitic diseases are known, or suspected to be transmitted by blood transfusion. Of greatest concern are malaria and Chagas' disease, but babesia, leishmania and toxoplasmosis also offer risk in particular locations or circumstances. Some of these parasites may be imported into non-endemic areas as a result of population movements and in some cases, the natural range of the parasite is increasing as a result of environmental change. Recent research, particularly on Chagas disease and babesiosis will be discussed, along with measures to minimize transmission of these and other parasites via transfusion.