Intraerythrocytic Parasitosis in Humans with Entopolypoides Species (Family Babesiidae)

doi:10.1059/0003-4819-88-6-769

Intraerythrocytic Parasitosis in Humans with Entopolypoides Species (Family Babesiidae)

Association with Hepatic Dysfunction and Serum Factors Inhibiting Lymphocyte Response to Phytohemagglutinin

Atlanta, Georgia

Abstract

We have observed two cases of human infection with intraerythrocytic protozoa. The organisms appeared to be in the Entopolypoides group, which has not previously been associated with human infection. One patient was asplenic. Both patients had hepatic dysfunction, and their serum samples contained blocking factors that interfered in vitro with the stimulation of normal lymphocytes by phytohemagglutinin. It appears that in humans, as well as in experimental animals, host factors are important in resistance to infection by intraerythrocytic parasites. These factors include the presence of a spleen and cell-mediated and humoral immunities. Possibly similar infections will be observed in patients with other impairments of T-cell function, such as those induced by malignancy, thymic dysfunction, or immunosuppressive drugs.

Article and Author Information

▸From the Center for Disease Control, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; Atlanta, Georgia.
Animals involved in the research described in this report were maintained in animal care facilities fully accredited by the American Association of Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care.
The use of trade names is for identification only and does not constitute endorsement by the Public Health Service or by the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to George R. Healy, Ph.D.; Parasitology Division, Center for Disease Control, 1600 Clifton Rd.; Atlanta, GA 30333.
- Received January 23, 1978.
- Accepted March 16, 1978.