Causes And Risk Factors Of Toxoplasmosis

Infected Blood In A Transfusion

Receiving infected blood in a transfusion is a rare cause of toxoplasmosis. A 2014 article in the Iranian Journal of Parasitology determined the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in blood products was 23.6 percent, and a 2016 article reported the global prevalence of toxoplasmosis in donated blood is thirty-three percent. To protect the recipients of blood products, individuals who have had toxoplasmosis are required to refrain from donating blood until at least six months after they have made a complete recovery. Since blood donations are not currently screened for toxoplasmosis, donors who have had this infection need to inform staff they have had toxoplasmosis before donating. If they have recovered and are approved to donate, a note will be placed on their donation so it will not be given to patients with weakened immune systems. Individuals who have received a blood transfusion should carefully monitor their health for any changes, particularly for the development of the flu-like symptoms associated with toxoplasmosis. If these symptoms occur, recipients should see a doctor as soon as possible, and they may wish to be screened for toxoplasmosis.

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