A 63 year old asplenic man from Massachusetts presents in July with fever, malaise, and dark urine. He does not recall international travel. Laboratory studies show hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Peripheral blood smear reveals intraerythrocytic ring forms, and some erythrocytes contain tetrads arranged in a Maltese cross pattern. Which of the following organisms is the most likely cause of this patient’s illness?
- A)Babesia microtiGABARITO
- B)Borrelia burgdorferi
- C)Anaplasma phagocytophilum
- D)Plasmodium falciparum
- E)Bartonella henselae
Explicação
Babesia microti is correct. Babesiosis is transmitted by Ixodes ticks in the northeastern United States and can cause hemolytic anemia, especially in asplenic patients. The Maltese cross tetrads within erythrocytes are highly characteristic. Ver explicação completa e trilha adaptativa →