Successful Chemotherapy of Transfusion Babesiosis

  1. MURRAY WITTNER, M.D., Ph.D.;
  2. KENNETH S. ROWIN, M.D.;
  3. HERBERT B. TANOWITZ, M.D.;
  4. JEAN F. HOBBS, M.D.;
  5. SIMONE SALTZMAN, M.D.;
  6. BARRY WENZ, M.D.;
  7. ROBERT HIRSCH, M.D.;
  8. EMILY CHISHOLM; and
  9. GEORGE R. HEALY, Ph.D.
  1. New York, New York; and Atlanta, Georgia

    Abstract

    We describe babesiosis transmitted by transfusion. The infected blood donor was identified and a minimum period of infectivity of the donor's blood was established. We report a new modality for chemotherapy consisting of quinine plus clindamycin, and a new endemic focus for this zoonosis on Fire Island, New York. There are insufficient data to establish a reasonably safe period after which visitors and residents of Babesia-endemic foci can become blood donors. Screening of such persons by a rapid serologic test, such as the ELISA or immunofluorescent antibody tests, is suggested.

    Article and Author Information

    • ▸From the Departments of Pathology, Medicine, Pediatrics, and Laboratory Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and the Bronx Municipal Hospital Center; Bronx, New York; the Greater New York Blood Program; New York, New York; and the Centers for Disease Control; Atlanta, Georgia.

    • Grant support: grants 1-T32-AI-07138 and AI12770, National Institutes of Health.

    • ▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Murray Wittner, M.D., Ph.D.; Division of Parasitology, Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine; 1300 Morris Park Avenue; Bronx, NY 10461.

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    1. Ann Intern Med May 1, 1982 vol. 96 no. 5 601-604
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