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Published on: May 30, 2019
Babesia microti infection, eastern Pennsylvania, USA
Marcela E Perez Acosta1, Peter T Ender, Erin M Smith
1Department of Internal Medicine, St. Luke’s University Hospital and Health Network,Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA. perezam@slhn.org
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|June 15, 2013
Summary
Babesia microti infections are emerging in eastern Pennsylvania, USA. Three cases were identified in individuals without travel history or blood transfusions, indicating local transmission.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Babesia microti is a tick-borne protozoan parasite.
- The prevalence of the tick vector in eastern Pennsylvania is established.
- Limited data exists on Babesia microti infection in this specific region.
Observation:
- Three human cases of babesiosis were diagnosed in eastern Pennsylvania.
- None of the patients had recent travel history outside the region.
- No history of blood transfusion was reported for the affected individuals.
Findings:
- This suggests a potential emergence or increased incidence of Babesia microti infection in eastern Pennsylvania.
- The cases indicate autochthonous transmission within the region.
- Babesiosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for febrile illnesses in this area.
Implications:
- Highlights the need for increased awareness and surveillance of babesiosis in eastern Pennsylvania.
- Suggests that local tick populations may be effectively transmitting Babesia microti to humans.
- Further research is warranted to understand the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of Babesia microti in this geographic area.
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