Transfusion-transmitted babesiosis in Ontario: first reported case in Canada

CMAJ. 2001 Jun 12;164(12):1721-3.

Abstract

Babesiosis has only recently been reported in Canada, but a number of transfusion-transmitted cases of this infection have been reported from the United States. We present a case of transfusion-transmitted babesiosis that occurred in Canada. Canadian physicians must consider babesiosis in the differential diagnosis of patients who experience fever or a hemolytic reaction after blood transfusion. Prompt recognition and treatment are important, because Babesia infections can be severe or fatal in certain risk groups. Better strategies to prevent transfusion-transmitted babesiosis are required.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antimalarials / therapeutic use
  • Babesiosis / blood
  • Babesiosis / drug therapy
  • Babesiosis / etiology*
  • Blood Donors
  • Clindamycin / therapeutic use
  • Erythrocyte Transfusion / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ontario
  • Quinine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antimalarials
  • Clindamycin
  • Quinine