International survey on the impact of parasitic infections: frequency of transmission and current mitigation strategies

Abstract

Background and Objectives Globally, blood safety interventions have been successful in mitigating risk of the major transfusion‐transmitted (TT) viruses. However, strategies that address risk from parasites are comparatively limited. TT parasites are often regional in nature, posing unique challenges; we sought to understand their impact on blood safety. Materials and Methods An electronic questionnaire was distributed to transfusion medicine leaders in 100 countries. The survey focused on specific questions pertaining to four parasitic diseases: babesiosis, Chagas, leishmaniasis and malaria. Respondents provided data on historical TT cases, local epidemiology, policies to mitigate risk and an assessment of public health perceptions for each aetiologic agent. Results Twenty‐eight (28%) surveys were returned from countries in Europe (n = 13), the Americas (n = 6), Africa (n = 4), Asia (n = 3) and Oceana (n = 2). Historically, no cases of TT leishmaniasis were reported, TT babesiosis was exclusive to Canada and the USA, TT Chagas was limited to the Americas and Spain, while TT malaria was cosmopolitan. Mitigation efforts varied widely; malaria was the most frequently tested parasitic disease. The public's perception of risk for parasitic agents was low, while that of health authorities in endemic countries was higher. Conclusion The global impact of parasitic infections on blood safety and related mitigation efforts varied widely by parasite epidemiology, test availability, public health priorities and socioeconomic constraints. While parasites continue to pose a risk to blood safety, the successful mitigation of viral risk has elevated the prominence of TT parasites in many locations, thereby requiring consideration of mitigation efforts.

Epidemiology of Parasitic Infections in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Palestine

“…Previous reports from Palestine confirmed high levels of infection of intestinal parasites in different regions, especially among school children. 6,9,10,12,13 The results reported in this study are consistent with other reports about the existence of various parasitic infections in Palestine, especially scabies 20 and intestinal parasites. 9,10,21 Oxyuriasis caused by E. vermicularis was the most prevalent infection in Nablus, which is a highly populated district with three crowded refugee camps, where most of the cases were reported.…”

“…All these conditions enhance the growth, transmission, and dissemination of parasites and increase disease incidence. [4][5][6] In Palestine, like other developing countries, parasitic infections are considered a neglected health problem, and they are among the leading causes of morbidity in Palestinian society. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, thousands of Palestinians have been exposed to parasites and thousands of them become ill from these infections.…”

Screening of at‐risk blood donors for Chagas disease in non‐endemic countries: Lessons from a 2‐year experience in Tuscany, Italy

“…In addition to donor selection, other strategies may increase transfusion safety, such as pathogen inhibition methods 10,11 . These methods would lower the risk not only of TT CD but also of other parasitic diseases such as malaria, babesiosis and leishmaniosis whose importance in transfusion medicine is often neglected 12 …”

Inactivation of a broad spectrum of viruses and parasites by photochemical treatment of plasma and platelets using amotosalen and ultraviolet A light

“…Geographic differences in the risk of TTI remain influenced by socioeconomic factors, as screening is either not available or not practical . Areas of high pathogen prevalence may experience a high rate of donor deferral and subsequent lack of blood availability . In this situation, PRT may be beneficial in mitigating the risk of TTI and in improving blood availability.…”