Transfusion-Related Babesiosis Increasing in the U.S.

Without donor screening, the incidence will continue to rise.

Babesiosis — a zoonosis caused by the intraerythrocytic parasite Babesia— ranges from asymptomatic to life threatening. When symptoms occur, they are flu-like; possible complications include multiorgan dysfunction and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Babesia microti, the most common causative organism, is endemic to the Northeast and the upper Midwest and is transmitted by Ixodes scapularis ticks. Babesia duncani, endemic to the Pacific Northwest, has also been implicated in a few cases.

Transfusion-related babesiosis was first recognized in 1979. Incidence has been increasing since then, but exact numbers have remained unknown. Now, the CDC has published the results of a collaborative effort to identify and catalogue cases that occur…

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter