Transfusion-Transmitted Malaria: Two Pediatric Cases From the United States and Their Relevance in an Increasingly Globalized World

In non-endemic settings, transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) is rare but potentially fatal and becoming more common with globalization. We present two pediatric cases that demonstrate donor screening using questionnaires is subject to error and that TTM should be considered with fever following numerous transfusions in children, particularly sickle cell patients.

Automated summary

Transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) is rare but potentially fatal in non-endemic settings, and should be considered in children, especially sickle cell patients, with fever following multiple transfusions. Supply donor screening using questionnaires may have errors.