The First case of Locally Acquired Tick-BorneBabesia MicrotiInfection in Canada

Abstract

A child with a complicated medical history that included asplenia acquired an infection withBabesia microtiin the summer of 2013 and had not travelled outside of Manitoba. Although the clinical findings were subtle, astute laboratory work helped to reach a preliminary identification ofBabesiaspecies, while reference laboratory testing confirmed the diagnosis. Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are known to transmitBorrelia burgdorferiandAnaplasma phagocytophilumin the province; however, the present case represents the first known instance of tick-borneB microti, both in Manitoba and in Canada. The expanding territory of the blacklegged tick increases the relevance of this emerging infection. Clinicians, laboratory medical practitioners and public health officials should be aware ofB microtias a potential locally acquired infection in Canada.