Using blood donor surveillance and clinical case data to shape our understanding of Babesia epidemiology in Manitoba, Canada

Key Points

• This research aims to explore the epidemiology of Babesia infection in Canadian blood donors amid changing environmental conditions.
• Conducted blood donor surveillance in Manitoba's elevated-risk area for Babesia infection.
• Utilized Babesia nucleic acid testing (NAT) on blood specimens.
• Analyzed clinical case data related to Babesia infection prevalence.
• Babesia NAT did not find any Babesia-positive blood donors in the studied area.
• Findings suggest that despite rising tick populations, Babesia infection in blood donors remains low.