Hematologic Manifestations of Babesiosis

Akel, Tamer; Mobarakai, Neville

doi:10.21767/2386-5180.1000149

Cited by 8 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of HLH following babesiosis infection in an immunocompetent patient. One recent case described a patient with babesiosis and some features of HLH, but that patient did not have hemophagocytosis and thus lacked standard criteria for HLH (Akel and Mobarakai, 2017). The primary presenting symptoms of the patient presented herein were fatigue, abdominal pain, altered mental status, and anorexia with weight loss.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Babesia microti infection and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in an immunocompetent patient

Phuoc

Eichenberg

et al. 2017

International Journal of Infectious Diseases

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Babesia microti infection and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in an immunocompetent patient

Phuoc

Eichenberg

et al. 2017

International Journal of Infectious Diseases

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“…In addition, this review discovered the following less commonly reported sequela or associated conditions: acute lung injury, pulmonary edema, warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAHA) [11], thrombocytopenia [12], reactive hemophagocytosis or hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) [13], hepatitis [14][15][16], hepatomegaly [14], splenomegaly [14], pancytopenia [17], septic shock [18], multiorgan failure, and even death [12][13][14][15][16][17][18].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Finally, HLH is a severe systemic inflammatory problem that can sometimes occur due to strong activation of the immune system during infection. This syndrome has been reported in four cases since 1986 and is believed to be due to an over function of macrophages and T cells, and lack of activity of natural killer (NK) cells [13].…”

Section: Hematologicmentioning

confidence: 99%

Babesiosis: Appreciating the Pathophysiology and Diverse Sequela of the Infection

Ortíz¹,

Millhouse²,

Cox³

et al. 2020

Cureus

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Babesiosis is a blood-borne disease found mainly in the United States caused by a parasitic piroplasm. While most infections are mild to moderate in immunocompetent hosts, life-threatening complications can occur in those with significant comorbidities like congestive heart failure (CHF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is sparse literature discussing the complications of Babesia microti infection or the pathophysiology and management thereof. A literature review was conducted to consolidate the current knowledge about the disease, pathophysiology, and proposed management of all potential complications based on risk factors and other clinical information. A MeSH cross-references strategy was employed in PubMed using the search terms "babesia" and "babesiosis" and the established associated conditions, and the search expanded to increase capture. Only papers written in the English language and discussing human subjects in the North American patient population were included. The initial search yielded 315 papers and, after applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, a final number of 18 was reviewed. The various complications and pathophysiology thereof are then discussed according to organ system. Babesia is a subversive parasite associated with a variety of conditions. We hope a better appreciation of all potential presentations and complications will help clinicians manage this increasingly common zoonosis and reduce adverse effects. More research is recommended into the pathophysiology and prevention of complications following this and other tick-borne illnesses.

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“…Human babesiosis, a zoonosis, is an infectious disease caused by intraerythrocytic protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia [ 1 ]. These microscopic malaria-like organisms (1−3 µm) invade human erythrocytes and lyse them, causing a febrile hemolytic anemia [ 2 ]. In the continental United States and Canada, Babesia duncani and Babesia microti (Apicomplexa: Babesiidae) are commonly recognized and identified in humans.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These apicomplexan piroplasms are morphologically similar but are genetically different [ 3 ]. Both babesial strains reside in red blood cells [ 2 ]. Pathologically, Babesia in humans ranges from asymptomatic or self-limiting, to mild febrile illness, to fatal, especially in the elderly, immunocompromised, and splenectomized patients [ 1 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human Babesiosis Caused by Babesia duncani Has Widespread Distribution across Canada

Scott

2018

Healthcare

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Human babesiosis caused by Babesia duncani is an emerging infectious disease in Canada. This malaria-like illness is brought about by a protozoan parasite infecting red blood cells. Currently, controversy surrounds which tick species are vectors of B. duncani. Since the availability of a serological or molecular test in Canada for B. duncani has been limited, we conducted a seven-year surveillance study (2011–2017) to ascertain the occurrence and geographic distribution of B. duncani infection country-wide. Surveillance case data for human B. duncani infections were collected by contacting physicians and naturopathic physicians in the United States and Canada who specialize in tick-borne diseases. During the seven-year period, 1119 cases were identified. The presence of B. duncani infections was widespread across Canada, with the highest occurrence in the Pacific coast region. Patients with human babesiosis may be asymptomatic, but as this parasitemia progresses, symptoms range from mild to fatal. Donors of blood, plasma, living tissues, and organs may unknowingly be infected with this piroplasm and are contributing to the spread of this zoonosis. Our data show that greater awareness of human babesiosis is needed in Canada, and the imminent threat to the security of the Canadian blood supply warrants further investigation. Based on our epidemiological findings, human babesiosis should be a nationally notifiable disease in Canada. Whenever a patient has a tick bite, health practitioners must watch for B. duncani infections, and include human babesiosis in their differential diagnosis.

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Hematologic Manifestations of Babesiosis

Cited by 8 publications

References 31 publications

Babesia microti infection and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in an immunocompetent patient

Babesia microti infection and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in an immunocompetent patient

Babesiosis: Appreciating the Pathophysiology and Diverse Sequela of the Infection

Human Babesiosis Caused by Babesia duncani Has Widespread Distribution across Canada

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