The American journal of case reports
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Review Case Reports
Splenic Rupture as the First Manifestation of Babesia Microti Infection: Report of a Case and Review of Literature.
BACKGROUND Babesiosis is an emerging, tick-borne zoonosis caused by intraerythrocytic protozoa of the genus Babesia. Babesia microti is the main pathogen causing human disease and is endemic in the northeastern and upper midwestern parts of the USA. Severity of infection ranges from mild, self-limited, febrile viral-like illness accompanied by nonspecific symptoms to life-threatening infection complicated by severe hemolytic anemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and renal or/and hepatic failure. ⋯ CONCLUSIONS Despite its rare occurrence, SR due to B. microti infection is a dreaded complication that can rapidly progress to hemorrhagic shock and death. In contrast to other complications of babesiosis, SR is not correlated with parasite burden or immune status of the affected host. Babesiosis should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis in patients from endemic areas presenting with atraumatic splenic rupture.