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Babesiosis in post-splenectomy hosts
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|September 1, 1980
Summary
Individuals who have had a splenectomy are at higher risk for Babesia microti infection. Despite treatment, parasitemia persisted in one case, highlighting the need for conservative management in asplenic patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Babesiosis is a tick-borne illness caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia.
- Splenectomized individuals are known to be more susceptible to severe Babesiosis infections.
Observation:
- Two cases of Babesiosis infection were identified in asplenic individuals in previously unreported endemic areas (Cape Cod and Long Island).
- One patient received pentamidine treatment, but Babesia microti parasitemia persisted.
Findings:
- Babesiosis infection occurred in splenectomized individuals in new geographic locations.
- Pentamidine therapy was not fully effective in clearing parasitemia in one case.
- No fatalities were reported among splenectomized individuals infected with Babesia microti.
Implications:
- Splenectomized individuals should exercise increased caution in tick-endemic areas.
- Current therapeutic options for Babesiosis in asplenic patients may be limited.
- Conservative management strategies are recommended for asplenic patients with Babesiosis until more effective treatments are developed.