Madison Area Lyme Support Group

Transfusion-transmitted babesiosis leading to severe hemolysis in two patients with sickle cell anemia

Karkoska K, Louie J, Appiah-Kubi AO, Wolfe L, Rubin L, Rajan S, Aygun B.

Pediatric Blood & Cancer, online first, 2017 Aug 2.

https://doi.org/10.1002/pbc.26734

Abstract

The intracellular parasites Babesia microti and Babesia duncani can be transmitted by blood transfusion and cause severe life-threatening hemolytic anemia in high-risk patients, including those with sickle cell disease.

The rarity of the diagnosis, as well as its similar clinical presentation to delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction, may lead to a delay in diagnosis, as well as inappropriate treatment with steroids or other immunosuppressive agents.

The morbidity caused by this disease in especially vulnerable populations justifies the need for a universal blood-screening program in endemic areas.

For more on Babesia:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/01/16/babesia-treatment/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/11/19/seroprevalence-of-babesia-in-individuals-with-ld/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/06/02/study-showing-results-testing-babesia-microti/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/12/15/blood-screening-for-babesia/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/07/09/2600-increase-in-babesia-in-12-years-in-wisconsin/