Emerging Pathogens

Due to worldwide travel, pathogens which until recently were unknown in certain regions are now of great concern in blood transfusion. Climate changes create an increased risk for the entry of new pathogens in formerly unaffected regions as the vectors (mosquitos and ticks) become used to their new habitats. Many of the diseases that these pathogens can cause are not commonly diagnosed in the newly-affected countries and as a result detection is difficult.