An Atypical Case Presentation of Babesiosis

TL;DR

An elderly man with no known risk factors presented with severe symptoms of babesiosis, highlighting the importance of considering tick-borne diseases in non-endemic regions.

Contribution

This case emphasizes the atypical presentation of babesiosis in low-risk populations and non-endemic areas.

Findings

A 75-year-old male with no known risk factors presented with severe babesiosis symptoms.

The patient required red blood cell exchange and plasma exchange therapy for treatment.

The case underscores the need to consider tick-borne diseases in differential diagnosis regardless of location or risk factors.

Abstract

Babesiosis is a tick-borne illness that can cause a wide variety of symptoms based on the severity of the disease. Mild presentations can be difficult to identify, and as a result, treatment may be delayed. A 75-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with weakness, leg pain, and a fall. He was found to be febrile and tachycardic on arrival, and lab work revealed thrombocytopenia and acute renal dysfunction. He was admitted and found to have a Babesiosis infection, requiring treatment with red blood cell exchange and plasma exchange therapy. Tick-borne illnesses should be included in the differential even in low-risk populations and non-endemic regions due to the severity of disease complications.