Scientific Publications by FDA Staff

Transfusion 2009 Dec;49(12):2759-71

Transfusion-transmitted babesiosis in the United States: summary of a workshop.

Gubernot DM, Nakhasi HL, Mied PA, Asher DM, Epstein JS, Kumar S

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.