A Cluster of Cases of Babesia microti Among Neonates Traced to a Single Unit of Donor Blood

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2018 Mar;37(3):269-271. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000001803.

Abstract

Three premature infants in 1 neonatal intensive care unit developed transfusion-transmitted babesiosis. Two of the infants developed high-grade parasitemia. All 3 affected infants were treated and cured with azithromycin and atovaquone. No infant required exchange transfusion. Clinicians should be cognizant that babesiosis may be acquired via blood transfusion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Azithromycin / therapeutic use
  • Babesia microti*
  • Babesiosis / diagnosis
  • Babesiosis / parasitology*
  • Babesiosis / transmission*
  • Blood Donors*
  • Blood Transfusion*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
  • Male
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Azithromycin