Southern Extension of the Range of Human Babesiosis in the Eastern United States

Abstract

We sought evidence of babesiosis in three residents of New Jersey who were suspected of local acquisition of Babesia microtiinfection. We tested serial blood samples from these residents forB. microti antibodies and amplifiable DNA by using immunofluorescent antibody and PCR techniques. All three residents experienced symptoms suggestive of acute babesiosis. The sera of each of the patients reacted against babesial antigen at a titer fourfold or higher in sequentially collected blood samples. PCR-amplifiable DNA, characteristic of B. microti, was detected in their blood. These data suggest that human B. microti infections were acquired recently in New Jersey, extending the range of this piroplasmosis in the northeastern United States.

Demonstrable parasitemia among Connecticut blood donors with antibodies to Babesia microti

“…Seroprevalence rates are also dramatically influenced by geographic location with significantly more confirmed positive donors identified in Babesia-endemic versus nonendemic areas. The defined areas of B. microti endemicity are continually expanding, 21 however, and thus may now encompass areas previously designated as nonendemic. Alternatively, residents of nonendemic areas can acquire infections during visits to Babesia-endemic areas.…”

Increasing Health Burden of Human Babesiosis in Endemic Sites

“…1,[13][14][15][16][17][18] Although the recognized geographic range of human babesiosis is less extensive than that of Lyme disease, recent studies suggest that it is expanding. [19][20][21] Far more cases of Lyme disease than human babesiosis have been noted. [12][13][14] This disparity in incidence can be explained in part by the fact that Lyme disease is nationally reportable in the United States while babesiosis is not.…”

Relationship between tick bites and the seroprevalence of Babesia microti and Anaplasma phagocytophila (previously Ehrlichia sp.) in blood donors

“…More severe cases, particularly in immunocompromised patients (e.g., asplenic, elderly), can be life threatening and may require treatment with quinine and clindamycin or atovaquone and azithromycin 6 . Hundreds of cases of babesiosis have been reported, and the numbers are increasing as the endemic range expands 7 . However, babesiosis is not notifiable nationally, thus many cases probably go unrecognized and/or unreported.…”