Relationship between tick bites and the seroprevalence of Babesia microti and Anaplasma phagocytophila (previously Ehrlichia sp.) in blood donors

Transfusion. 2002 Dec;42(12):1585-91. doi: 10.1046/j.1537-2995.2002.00251.x.

Abstract

Background: Tick-borne diseases, particularly babesiosis and ehrlichiosis, represent recently emerging infections. Despite an increased recognition of the threat tick-borne agents pose to blood safety, our understanding of the prevalence and transmissibility of these agents in blood donors is limited.

Study design and methods: Babesia microti and Anaplasma phagocytophila (previously Ehrlichia sp.) seroprevalence was determined in random Connecticut and Wisconsin donors, and subsequently in Connecticut donors reporting tick bites. In the interim, a postcard survey regarding tick bites during the previous 6 months was sent to 6,000 random donors in six geographically distinct collection regions.

Results: In total, 3 of 999 Wisconsin donors (0.3%) and 6 of 1,007 Connecticut donors (0.6%) had antibodies to B. microti. Of 992 donors tested for A. phagocytophila, 5 Wisconsin donors (0.5%) and 35 Connecticut donors (3.5%) were seropositive. A total of 2,482 donors (41.4%) completed the survey; 103 (4.1%) reported a tick bite. Of 848 Connecticut donors (0.4%) reporting tick bites, 3 had B. microti antibodies, while 8 (0.9%) had A. phagocytophila antibodies. These rates were not significantly different from control donors.

Conclusion: Blood donors seropositive for B. microti and A. phagocytophila are present in Connecticut and Wisconsin. Donors readily recall previous tick bites, but self-reported bites are not reliable indicators of serologic status. The exposure of blood donors to tick-borne pathogens does suggest a need to better understand the transfusion transmission potential of these agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Anaplasma phagocytophilum / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood
  • Babesia microti / immunology*
  • Bites and Stings*
  • Blood Donors
  • Connecticut
  • Humans
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Tick-Borne Diseases / diagnosis
  • Tick-Borne Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Tick-Borne Diseases / transmission
  • Ticks*
  • Transfusion Reaction*
  • Wisconsin

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Antibodies, Protozoan