Selection of Canine Blood Donors Considering Epidemiological Issues in Italy: A Working Group Consensus on Infectious Diseases Screening

Some infectious diseases, especially those by vector borne, have been demonstrated to be transmissible through whole blood transfusion. Therefore, the selection of canine blood donors is crucial to avoid transmission of pathogens to recipients. The screening protocol for infectious diseases has to consider the epidemiology of potential pathogens and their transmissibility and pathogenicity in recipients. A working group of experts (GSTVet), composed by different expertise from various parts of Italy, has been established to discuss controversies in screening potential blood donors and to provide guidelines addressed to selection and screening of blood donors for canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs), based on the epidemiological information currently available. Infections for which testing has been recommended should meet the following criteria: the agent is (1) known to be present in Italy and surrounding countries, (2) known to be potentially transmitted by blood transfusion, (3) capable of causing subclinical infection in candidate blood donors, (4) able to cause severe disease in recipients. Tests more suitable to prevent transmission of CVBDs have been debated. Since no test has 100% sensitivity and specificity, an integrated approach is suggested. Consensus was reached for selection of blood donors and include: accurate history (including ectoparasite control); physical exam; complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemical profile including an acute phase protein, coagulation profile, and urinalysis; fecal samples for parasites and blood samples for Dirofilaria testing. The combined use of microscopy, serology, and PCR for Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma spp., Leishmania infantum, and Babesia spp. is recommended. Furthermore, the following investigations have been suggested at every further blood donation: CBC, standard biochemical profile, blood smear microscopy and blood PCR for Rickettsia spp., E. canis, Anaplasma spp., L. infantum, and Babesia spp. Canine blood transfusions are widely carried out in clinical practice. Despite the occurrence of CVBDs in Europe, specific guidelines and indications for selection and testing of blood donors are lacking. The GSTVet aimed to fill this gap, creating an updated guideline focusing on the Mediterranean area. In addition, the GSTVet would stress the need to ensure the safety of every transfusion by means of sensitive and appropriate techniques, like PCR. Since the CVBDs are extremely dynamic, sharing the information among scientists involved in transfusion medicine, as well as the continuous updating of the guidelines, is strongly desirable. Joint abstract by GSTVet (Veterinary Transfusion Working Group) and AIMVET (Italian Association of Veterinary Transfusion Medicine)