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A confirmed Ehrlichia ewingii infection likely acquired through platelet transfusion
Joanna Regan1, James Matthias, Audrey Green-Murphy
1Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. jregan@cdc.gov
Summary
Ehrlichiosis, a tick-borne illness, was potentially transmitted through a blood transfusion. This case highlights a new transmission route for Ehrlichia ewingii infection.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Ehrlichiosis is a group of tick-borne bacterial diseases caused by Ehrlichia species.
- These infections can range from mild to life-threatening sepsis.
- Transmission is typically through the bite of infected ticks.
Observation:
- A patient developed Ehrlichia ewingii infection.
- The infection was suspected to be transmitted via leukoreduced platelet transfusion.
- This represents a potential novel transmission route for ehrlichiosis.
Findings:
- This is the first documented case of transfusion-associated ehrlichiosis.
- The causative agent was identified as Ehrlichia ewingii.
- Leukoreduced platelets were implicated in the transmission.
Implications:
- This finding necessitates re-evaluation of blood product safety protocols.
- Screening or donor history may be required to prevent transfusion-transmitted ehrlichiosis.
- Public health awareness regarding this transmission route is crucial for blood banks and clinicians.
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