Splenic Infarction in Human Babesiosis: Two Cases and Discussion

Abstract

We describe 2 patients with Babesia infection who presented with fever and multiple splenic infarcts. There were no other conditions present that could potentially be causes of splenic infarction. Although retinal infarction has been described rarely in patients with babesiosis, splenic infarction has not been reported previously in association with this infection in humans.

Infection withBabesia microtiin humans with non-specific symptoms in North East Poland

“…[19] Severe form of babesiosis may lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), congestive heart failure, renal failure, myocardial infarction and splenic infarct or rupture. [2,16,19,21] Aim The aim of the study was to analyse the clinical picture and additional tests results in patients infected with Babesia spp. after a tick bite in North East Poland.…”

Hematologic Manifestations of Babesiosis

“…In reviewing the literature we found 11 cases with this complication. Table 3 summarizes these cases [40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47]. Accordingly, we conclude that babesiosis can cause splenic rupture, just like malaria which is a well-documented cause of this pathology.…”

Transmission ofBabesia microtiParasites by Solid Organ Transplantation

“…Taken on November 5, the scan shows a splenic infarction (white arrow) that had not been visualized on a CT scan on October 5. Although the cause of the splenic infarction was not determined, the infarction might have been a complication of babesiosis, as reported for other patients ( 16 , 17 ). …”