Summary
- Babesiosis is an emerging tickborne zoonotic disease in Europe caused by Babesia spp. parasites transmitted by Ixodes ricinus ticks.
- To report a confirmed case of human babesiosis caused by B. microti infection in Hungary, a country where autochthonous cases had not been previously reported.
- A 64-year-old farmer in Hungary presented with symptoms consistent with babesiosis, including fatigue, weight loss, and laboratory abnormalities. A peripheral blood smear confirmed the presence of Babesia spp., and molecular analysis identified the parasite as B. microti.
- The patient was successfully treated with atovaquone/proguanil and azithromycin and fully recovered. Laboratory results normalized, and the parasites cleared from his blood by the ninth week after treatment.
- The increasing number of reported cases of babesiosis in Europe, including autochthonous cases in Hungary, indicates the need for healthcare providers to consider this disease in febrile patients. Routine screening with peripheral blood smears may help in detecting the parasite, especially in regions where the disease is emerging.
A recent case study in Hungary highlights the emergence of human babesiosis, a tickborne disease caused by the protozoa Babesia microti. The case involved a 64-year-old farmer who presented with symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and weight loss, eventually testing positive for Babesia microti infection.
The patient was treated with a combination of atovaquone/proguanil and azithromycin, leading to a successful recovery with no signs of parasites in the blood after treatment completion. This case serves as a reminder for healthcare professionals to consider babesiosis in their differential diagnosis for patients presenting with fever, especially in regions where the disease is not endemic.
The increasing number of reported cases in Europe underscores the importance of early detection and treatment of tickborne diseases. Healthcare providers should be vigilant in recognizing the symptoms of babesiosis and conducting thorough evaluations, such as peripheral blood smears, to aid in prompt diagnosis and management of the disease.
This case study emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to be aware of emerging infectious diseases like babesiosis, particularly in regions where they may not be commonly encountered. By staying informed and proactive in their approach to tickborne illnesses, healthcare providers can contribute to better outcomes for patients affected by these conditions.
Infectious Diseases, Public Health & Prevention, Epidemiology