Review of Transfusion-Associated Babesiosis in the United States: A Description of Cases

• Presentation of the Information – 4

o Information was presented in a concise and clear manner and the topic was well expanded upon. The data “flows” well and is able to provide a broader picture of the angle that the authors were trying to focus their research on.

• Method of research – 3

o The methodology used to perform the research was acceptable for the research type conducted. However, the methods of detection were not much expanded upon leaving unanswered questions in the mind of the reader.

• Quality of writing – 4

o The information was presented in a manner that allows the reader to understand the research quickly; without the need to perform further investigation just to understand the point that the researchers were portraying.

• Support for the conclusion – 2

o I believe the research fails to compare the data obtained from the positive cases with the amount of blood transfusions that occurred in the United States within the years in question (1979 – 2009). Data shows that an increase in the number of cases of Babesiosis associated to blood transfusions from 2000 to 2009, leading the reader to conclude that this has just started within the last 14 years; it does not show a proper trend. I would suggest the removal of data that cannot be corroborated, since there is no way to properly confirm that the parasite was actually present in the donor’s blood; the data before 2000 should not be utilized due to the lack of supporting evidence.

The overall research was thought provoking, however, more data should have been given in regards to transfusions in recent years. Moreover, I agree with the final outcome of the research, donor’s screening for Babesiosis should be included as part of the donation criteria and during investigations of reactions to blood transfusions, especially now due to the advances in travel which allow the parasite to move easier from places where it is known to be endemic.

The title of the article was appropriate; the research focused on transfusion reaction cases that involved Babesiosis.