Update on Canine and Feline Blood Donor Screening for Blood-Borne Pathogens

Wardrop, K.J.; Birkenheuer, A.; Blais, M.C.; Callan, M.B.; Kohn, B.; Lappin, M.R.; Sykes, J.

Anaplasma platys is thought to be transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and infections are common in regions endemic for this tick. Anaplasma platys can establish a chronic, persistent subclinical infection, sometimes accompanied by mild thrombocytopenia. 11 Dogs infected experimentally with blood developed severe thrombocytopenia within 7 days after inoculation. 12 Transfusion-transmitted infection or disease has been reported neither in humans nor in dogs. An IFA assay for detection of serum antibodies is commercially available, but cross-reactions occur with A. phagocytophilum. 13 Species-specific PCR testing of blood samples is the diagnostic method of choice. Assays for A. phagocytophilum antibodies may or may not detect A. platys antibodies (Table 3) . 7 Donor dogs that are negative for antibodies and negative using species-specific PCR are optimal (Table 1) .