Documented cases of post-transfusion malaria occurring in England: a review in relation to current and proposed donor-selection guidelines

Background and Objectives Although uncommon, five cases of transfusion‐transmitted malaria have been documented in England over the last 20 years. With the reappearance onto the market of high‐quality malaria antibody assays, and by utilizing the results of analysis of these five cases, it has been possible to review the donor malaria‐deferral guidelines. Materials and Methods Details of the five cases of post‐transfusion malaria were reviewed against the proposed new donor‐deferral guidelines for malaria. Results Three of the five cases of post‐transfusion malaria were directly attributable to the deferral guidelines, allowing infectious donors to be bled. Conclusions The proposed new guidelines will prevent further cases of transmission from semi‐immune individuals.