Unusual Complications From Babesia Infection: Splenic Infarction and Splenic Rupture in Two Separate Patients

Publication date: Available online 22 September 2018

Source: The Journal of Emergency Medicine

Author(s): Benjamin Blackwood, William Binder

Abstract

Background

Babesiosis is a zoonotic parasitic infection transmitted by the tick, Ixodes scapularis. Splenic infarct and rupture are infrequent complications of Babesia parasitemia, and have not been previously reported in the emergency medicine literature.

Case Report

We present two separate cases seen within 1 month at our institution: a case of splenic rupture and another case of splenic infarction due to Babesia parasitemia.

Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?

Babesia infection in humans is increasingly prevalent in both the United States and worldwide, and clinical manifestations can range from subclinical to fulminant infections. An unusual but potentially fatal complication of babesiosis is splenic infarctions and rupture. Due to the endemicity of this parasite, a careful history and level of suspicion will enable the emergency physician to consider and test for babesiosis in patients with splenic injuries and without obvious traditional risk factors.

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