Comment; Complex Chronic Illnesses can have bizarre presentations as can tick-borne illnesses in general. I wouldn’t have predicted this association, but it makes some sense…
Raminder Kaur Khangura, MD,1Nayo Williams, MD,1Shontreal Cooper, MD, MPH,1 and Anne- Marie Prabulos, MD1Author informationArticle notesCopyright and License informationDisclaimerGo to:
Abstract
HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) is a serious pregnancy complication that can cause significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. There are several conditions that may occur in pregnancy that may imitate the laboratory findings and clinical presentation of HELLP syndrome. Babesiosis is a parasitic imitator of HELLP syndrome that can be spread by the tick, transfusions, or congenitally. Recognition and treatment of this condition is important to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes.
Babesiosis is an infectious disease caused by the tick-borne protozoa, Babesia . 1 Babesia microti , spread by the Ixodes scapularis tick, is the primary infectious agent causing babesiosis in the United States. 2 It is endemic to the Northeast and upper Midwest, especially in parts of New England, New York, New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. 2 In 2014, 1,731 cases were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 31 states, with sporadic cases reported outside of endemic areas in places, such as California, Alabama, and Washington. 2
The expansion of the white-tailed deer population, wildlife habitat encroachment and greater awareness of the disease by physicians and the public have all contributed to the increasing numbers of Babesiosis. 3Clinical manifestations can vary from asymptomatic to life-threatening disease. In pregnancy, babesiosis can imitate HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome. 4 5 A high index of suspicion is needed to appropriately diagnose and treat HELLP imitators, such as Babesiosis, in pregnancy.
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