Surveillance of Emerging Pathogens to Ensure Blood Supply Safety

Babesia is a parasite that can be transmitted from the bite of a tick to an individual. While many some people may not have any symptoms from infection, others may experience anything from flu-like symptoms to joint pain, hemolytic anemia, or jaundice. Should an infected individual donate blood, they could pass the infection to a recipient through their blood donation. In 2018, Canadian Blood Services (CBS) screened blood donations between June and October, and Babesia was found in 0.002% - 0.0007% of donors. This prevalence is slightly less than other areas where Babesia testing is not mandated for blood donors (such as Arizona and Oklahoma), and several logs less than areas where Babesia testing is mandated for blood donations. Based on these data, a later Canadian Babesia case, and risk modelling by CBS, a risk-based decision-making (RBDM) process was initiated. The RBDM strongly emphasizes consistent monitoring and frequent testing for Babesia among Canadian blood donors. This proactive strategy is aimed at minimizing the risk of Babesia transmission through donated blood. This study will span five years and examine the prevalence of Babesia, other tick-borne diseases (such as Anaplasma and Powassan virus), and other emerging pathogens which may impact the blood supply.