Congenital babesiosis in China: first molecularly confirmed case of vertical transmission of Babesia microti .

Emerg Microbes InfectJan 20, 2026 (epub)
Case ReportInfectious DiseasesPediatricsOpen access

Junwen Liu, Dongfang Li, Sen Wang et al.

✦ AI-curated · Sources linked

Case in brief

A 74-day-old boy presented with fever, pallor, and severe haemolytic anaemia (haemoglobin 45 g/L). Peripheral blood smear showed ring forms and 16% parasitemia. PCR and metagenomic next-generation sequencing confirmed Babesia microti in both the infant and his asymptomatic mother; genetic analysis found identical strains, supporting vertical transmission. Intravenous azithromycin and oral atovaquone/proguanil were followed by rapid clearance of parasitemia and resolution of the anaemia.

What made this case unusual

The case documents molecularly confirmed vertical transmission of B. microti from an asymptomatic mother in China.

Diagnostic / clinical pearl

Consider babesiosis in infants with unexplained haemolytic anaemia in endemic regions; blood-smear findings can prompt testing, with molecular methods confirming infection and supporting transmission linkage.

Why it matters

The report also highlights gaps in access to essential anti-babesia therapies.

Source

PubMed · PMID 41559018Free full text on PubMed Central

Published in Emerg Microbes Infect. This summary was written by xxcode from the publication's abstract and metadata. It is not peer reviewed and is not a substitute for the original article. For clinical decisions, review the original publication.

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