Asymptomatic carrier of Babesia spp. among blood donors - epidemiological situation in Poland.

Introduction: Babesiosis is caused by one of several Babesia species. In Europe, B. divergens predominates in humans, while in North America it is B. microti. Babesia spp. infection in donors with a disease-free course of infection can be a major problem in blood recipients. A recipient with impaired immune system functions is at risk of full-blown development of the disease. In Poland and in most countries of the world, blood donors are not routinely tested for Babesia spp. infection. In our previous study, we detected Babesia venatorum DNA in blood donors, which was the reason for expanding the study to include more test subjects. Objective: The aim of this study was an attempt at estimating the prevalence of asymptomatic infection with Babesia spp. among blood donors from the Regional Centres for Blood Donation and Blood Treatment in Warsaw and Wroclaw. Materials and methods: The material for the study was whole blood from regular blood donors from two Regional Centre for Blood Donation and Blood Treatment in Warsaw and Wroclaw. Whole blood samples from 1,067 blood donors collected in June-July 2022 were analyzed. Blood collected directly from the donor during the blood donation procedure. All persons qualified by a doctor as a donor were selected for the study, regardless of age and sex. All subjects were informed in detail about the purpose of the study and gave their written consent. Isolation was made by using the Chelex 100 chelating resin, followed by the studying of the genetic material using the qPCR reaction. The results were analysed based on the amplification curve. Results: The protozoan Babesia spp. was not detected in the blood samples. Conclusions: The risk of blood-borne babesiosis is extremely low in Poland.

Testing of sand from recreational areas and sandpits in Warsaw, for presence of Ascaris Lumbricoides and Toxocara spp.

INTRODUCTION: Improper maintenance of the cleanliness of sand in sandboxes can be a source of human pathogenic helminths, including Toxocara spp., Enterobius vermicularis, Ascaris lumbricoides, leading to parasitic infections. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sanitary condition of sandboxes in playgrounds and recreational areas in Warsaw for the presence of Human roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) and Toxocara spp. in sand. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 450 sand samples from 90 sandboxes in the city of Warsaw were analyzed. The flotation method was used for the study, and the material was evaluated using a light microscope. RESULTS. The conducted examinations did not reveal the presence of parasite eggs, indicating that hygiene rules were observed and appropriate recommendations were followed. CONCLUSIONS: The analyzed sand samples are free of the tested parasites.