Treatment of refractory Babesia microti infection with atovaquone-proguanil in an HIV-infected patient: case report

Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Dec 15;45(12):1588-90. doi: 10.1086/523731.

Abstract

A patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome presented with babesiosis 6 months after presumed tick exposure. Despite initial treatment with azithromycin and atovaquone, followed by quinine and clindamycin, he experienced an increasing parasite load. Finally, red blood cell exchange transfusion, anti-Babesia therapy, and the addition of atovaquone-proguanil to the treatment regimen led to symptomatic improvement and elimination of parasitemia. Low-level parasitemia recurred 20 weeks later and was eradicated by administration of atovaquone-proguanil monotherapy. Atovaquone-proguanil appears to have activity against babesiosis and should be studied as a potential therapy for patients with refractory babesiosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications*
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / immunology
  • Animals
  • Atovaquone / administration & dosage
  • Atovaquone / therapeutic use*
  • Babesia microti*
  • Babesiosis / complications
  • Babesiosis / diagnosis*
  • Babesiosis / drug therapy*
  • Drug Combinations
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Proguanil / administration & dosage
  • Proguanil / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Drug Combinations
  • atovaquone, proguanil drug combination
  • Proguanil
  • Atovaquone