Babesiosis Presenting as Splenic Rupture in the Midwest: A Case Report

Abstract

Babesia microti is a parasite that invades erythrocytes inducing hemolysis. It presents with a variety of non-specific symptoms that can be mistaken for other illnesses. A rare manifestation of babesiosis is splenic rupture, generally seen in a younger, healthier population with low parasitemia, which can be treated conservatively depending on the grade and clinical condition. This case describes an elderly male with multiple comorbidities who is an avid hiker in the Northern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania areas presenting with a spontaneous American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade V splenic rupture requiring emergent splenectomy. Subsequent re-admission was required to diagnose babesiosis, which was managed with pharmacotherapy and plasmapheresis. In lieu of other identifiable etiologies, patients with atraumatic splenic rupture in an endemic area should be screened for possible parasitic infections.