Summary
• A rare case of babesiosis, a disease caused by parasites that infect red blood cells, has been documented in a 72-year-old woman in England. The infection was caused by Babesia divergens, which is transmitted by ticks.
• The patient experienced high fever, body aches, and dark-colored urine, initially thought to be a urinary tract infection. Despite receiving treatment, her condition worsened, requiring intensive care and blood transfusions.
• Doctors discovered the Babesia parasites in her blood, identified by a specific “Maltese cross” shape under the microscope. Her illness led to kidney failure and breathing problems, but with treatment, she eventually recovered.
• Babesia infections, though rare in the UK, are serious and can lead to organ failure, especially in people with weakened immune systems. However, this case shows that even healthy individuals can become severely ill from the infection.
• The case emphasizes the importance of recognizing babesiosis in patients who live in rural areas or have exposure to ticks, as it can easily be mistaken for other illnesses like sepsis or malaria.
Babesiosis is a disease caused by tiny parasites called Babesia, which are found in red blood cells. This illness was first identified in 1957 and has since been reported worldwide. Babesiosis is typically transmitted to humans through tick bites, and each type of Babesia parasite has its own unique characteristics.
Most cases of human babesiosis are caused by two main species of Babesia: B. microti and B. divergens. B. microti is commonly found in the Northeast and northern Midwest United States, with about 2,000 cases reported each year. On the other hand, B. divergens infections are rare and can lead to more severe illness.
Recently, there was a case reported in England where a 72-year-old woman was diagnosed with an autochthonous (locally acquired) B. divergens infection. The woman had been experiencing fever, body aches, and other symptoms before being admitted to the hospital. Tests revealed the presence of Babesia parasites in her blood, confirming the diagnosis.
The patient’s condition worsened quickly, leading to complications such as acute kidney injury, fluid-refractory hypotension, and pleural effusions. Treatment was initiated with antibiotics and other supportive measures to help her recover. Despite facing challenges like encephalopathy during her recovery, the patient eventually responded well to treatment and was discharged from the hospital.
The emergence of B. divergens infection in England is a concerning development, highlighting the need for increased awareness and surveillance. While tick surveys in the patient’s area did not find any ticks carrying Babesia parasites, healthcare professionals are advised to remain vigilant and consider babesiosis as a possible diagnosis in patients with unexplained symptoms, especially in rural areas where tick exposure is common.
The case also underscores the importance of early detection and appropriate treatment for babesiosis. Clinical laboratories can diagnose Babesia infections through blood tests and PCR confirmation. Treatment options include oral medications for mild cases and intravenous antibiotics for more severe infections. Exchange transfusion may be necessary in cases of high parasitemia or severe hemolysis.
In conclusion, babesiosis is a potentially serious illness that can have severe consequences if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Healthcare providers should be aware of the possibility of babesiosis in patients presenting with symptoms like fever, hemolysis, and organ dysfunction, especially in regions where the disease is endemic. Public health efforts to monitor and prevent tick-borne diseases like babesiosis are essential for protecting the community from this emerging threat.
Infectious Diseases, Public Health & Prevention, Emergency Medicine