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.

Babesia spp. Babesiosis is caused by organisms of the genus Babesia. Babesia (canis) vogeli and Babesia gibsoni are the most common species diagnosed in North American dogs. Several other Babesia spp. have been identified in dogs in North America (Babesia sp. Coco and Babesia conradae) and other parts of the world (B. canis, B. rossi, B. microti-like and un-named Babesia sp.). Transmission of Babesia spp. by transfusion is well documented in both humans 14,15 and dogs. 16, 17 The resulting disease in dogs can be peracute, acute, chronic, or subclinical. A high seroprevalence of B. canis occurs in greyhounds, 18 and an increased prevalence of B. gib-soni occurs in American pit bull terriers and American Staffordshire terriers, as detected by PCR. 19, 20 Optimal screening should include serology against B. vogeli and B. gibsoni and broad range PCR screening (ie, that which detects all known Babesia spp. that infect dogs). Minimal screening may include broad-range PCR screening only. For all "pit bull" type dogs, Greyhounds, dogs with known tick exposure or dogs with bite exposure from a "pit bull" type dog, 1 additional PCR screening should be considered beyond the optimal recommendations to enhance sensitivity.