Which type of infections are currently most commonly transmitted through transfusions?

The correct answer is that bacterial contamination is currently the type of infection most commonly transmitted through transfusions. This is particularly significant because bacterial contamination can occur during the collection, storage, or administration of blood products. Unlike other types of infections that have established screening protocols, bacteria may not always be detected in routine testing of blood products, especially in platelet units, which are stored at room temperature and can provide an ideal environment for bacterial growth.

Bacterial infections resulting from transfusions can lead to serious complications, including septic shock and death, which makes this a critical area of concern for transfusion medicine. Certain bacterial species, such as those from the skin flora or enteric bacteria, are often implicated in these infections.

In comparison, viral infections, although historically a major concern, have become less common due to advancements in screening techniques, such as nucleic acid testing, which allows for the rapid identification of viral pathogens like HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C in donated blood. Parasitic infections, such as malaria or babesiosis, are also relatively rare in transfusion medicine, primarily due to regional prevalence and stringent donor screening. Fungal infections are even less common in transfusion settings, as the conditions for such infections to occur are not typically