Which parasite has not been transmitted by blood transfusion?

Which parasite has not been transmitted by blood transfusion?

• A. Naegleria
• B. Toxoplasma gondii
• C. Plasmodium falciparum
• D. Trypanosoma cruzi

Answer: (A)

The concept here is how different parasites are transmitted and which can be present in blood products. Naegleria fowleri causes infection through nasal exposure to warm freshwater, leading to rapid brain infection, and it does not circulate in the blood or spread via blood transfusions. In contrast, the other parasites can be carried in blood and thus pose a transfusion-transmission risk: Toxoplasma gondii can be transmitted through blood products, Plasmodium falciparum (malaria parasite) can be transmitted by transfusion, and Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas) can also be transmitted via contaminated blood. Therefore, Naegleria is not transmitted by blood transfusion.

The concept here is how different parasites are transmitted and which can be present in blood products. Naegleria fowleri causes infection through nasal exposure to warm freshwater, leading to rapid brain infection, and it does not circulate in the blood or spread via blood transfusions. In contrast, the other parasites can be carried in blood and thus pose a transfusion-transmission risk: Toxoplasma gondii can be transmitted through blood products, Plasmodium falciparum (malaria parasite) can be transmitted by transfusion, and Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas) can also be transmitted via contaminated blood. Therefore, Naegleria is not transmitted by blood transfusion.