“Human Babesiosis”: An Emerging Transfusion Dilemma

Babesiosis, a common disease of animals, can infect humans via vector “tick bite”, particularly in endemic areas. The recent reports of fatal cases in Hepatitis C and postliver transplant patients resulting from transfusion of contaminated blood should alert the medical profession regarding this eme...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Helieh S. Oz, Karin H. Westlund
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2012-01-01
Series:International Journal of Hepatology
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/431761
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Summary:Babesiosis, a common disease of animals, can infect humans via vector “tick bite”, particularly in endemic areas. The recent reports of fatal cases in Hepatitis C and postliver transplant patients resulting from transfusion of contaminated blood should alert the medical profession regarding this emerging dilemma in endemic as well as nonendemic areas and the need for accurate blood screening for transfusion. Here, we illustrate different stages of the parasite lifecycle, progression of babesiosis in animal model, some aspects of pathologic outcomes, ongoing therapeutic modalities, and a feasible Acridine Orange fluorescent methodology for the diagnostic evaluation of blood samples.
ISSN:2090-3448
2090-3456