A prospective evaluation of chronic Babesia microti infection in seroreactive blood donors.
Evan M BlochAndrew E LevinPhillip C WilliamsonSherri CyrusBeth H ShazDebra KesslerJed GorlinRoberta L BruhnTzong-Hae LeeLeilani MontalvoHany KamelMichael P BuschPublished in: Transfusion (2016)
The findings indicate prolonged seropositivity in blood donors. Although rare, asymptomatic, persistent PCR positivity supports the current policy of indefinite deferral for donors with a history of babesiosis or positive test results. Repeat testing by PCR and serology will be necessary if reinstatement is to be considered.