We describe babesiosis transmitted by transfusion. The infected blood donor was identified and a minimum period of infectivity of the donor's blood was established. We report a new modality for chemotherapy consisting of quinine plus clindamycin, and a new endemic focus for this zoonosis on Fire Island, New York. There are insufficient data to establish a reasonably safe period after which visitors and residents of Babesia-endemic foci can become blood donors. Screening of such persons by a rapid serologic test, such as the ELISA or immunofluorescent antibody tests, is suggested.
An indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) test was performed with human sera to detect cross-reactivity of Babesia microti antibodies with other species of Babesia parasites, with other blood and tissue parasites, and with various tick-borne organisms. Antisera to B. microti cross reacted with other Babesia species, but at lower dilutions than with the homologous antigens, and occurred most often during the acute phase of the disease. Cross-reactions with antibodies to malaria, Colorado tick fever, and a variety of other parasitic diseases were uncommon. However, acute and convalescent phase sera from 4 patients with suspected or confirmed Rocky Mountain spotted fever showed a rise in titer to B. microti antigen. In addition, 6 of 185 serum samples from children on an Indian reservation in North Carolina had IIF titers of greater than or equal to 1:256, suggesting a possible focus of B. microti infections in humans.
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