Babesia as a complication of immunosuppression following pig‐to‐baboon heart transplantation

Abstract

We report a baboon that developed anemia, leukocytosis, fever, and anorexia while immunosuppressed following a pig heart transplant. Blood smears indicated babesia infection of the erythrocytes, and this was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. A 1-week course of treatment with doxycycline successfully eradicated the organism. Babesia, a widespread blood parasite that can infect humans, has been reported to be present in the erythrocytes of approximately a third of baboons housed in facilities in the USA, without overt signs of infection. Immunosuppression can reduce the host's immune system, and result in proliferation of the parasite, leading to hemolysis and other features of infection, sometimes with fatal outcome.

Expression of recipient cytomegalovirus in immunosuppressed and xenotransplanted Macaca fascicularis may be related to more severe gastrointestinal lesions

“…It has been reported that side effects related to immunosuppressive therapy in xenotransplanted primates may lead to severe complications for recipients even in the absence of xenograft rejection . In particular, we and others have previously reported that, both in transplanted and control animals, immunosuppressants may cause severe GI tract complications in cynomolgus monkeys and baboons, leading to premature euthanasia .…”

Xenotransplantation literature update March–April, 2007

“…Ezzelarab et al. reported the case of a baboon that developed anemia, leukocytosis, fever and anorexia following pig heart xenotransplantation [18]. They identified Babesia as the cause of this clinical syndrome.…”

Surgical and Nonsurgical Complications of a Pig to Baboon Heterotopic Heart Transplantation Model

“…Unfortunately due to the genetic disparity and to the requirement for significant immuno-suppression, many complications have been recorded,1–3 including disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) and other coagulopathies 4–7. In addition to drug side effects, several other complications occur in this model due to need for central intravenous lines; requiring restraining jackets and tethers.…”