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Transfusion‐transmitted babesiosis leading to severe hemolysis in two patients with sickle cell anemia
Author(s) -
Karkoska Kristine,
Louie James,
AppiahKubi Abena O,
Wolfe Lawrence,
Rubin Lorry,
Rajan Sujatha,
Aygun Banu
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
pediatric blood and cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.116
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1545-5017
pISSN - 1545-5009
DOI - 10.1002/pbc.26734
Subject(s) - medicine , babesiosis , hemolysis , anemia , hemolytic anemia , disease , babesia , blood transfusion , sickle cell anemia , immunology , intensive care medicine , pediatrics , virology
The intracellular parasites Babesia microti and Babesia duncani can be transmitted by blood transfusion and cause severe life‐threatening hemolytic anemia in high‐risk patients, including those with sickle cell disease. The rarity of the diagnosis, as well as its similar clinical presentation to delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction, may lead to a delay in diagnosis, as well as inappropriate treatment with steroids or other immunosuppressive agents. The morbidity caused by this disease in especially vulnerable populations justifies the need for a universal blood‐screening program in endemic areas.