False Positive Babesia microti Result in New-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Manifesting With Febrile Illness.

Authors

Anna Laskova, Hospital Medicine, Reading Hospital, Tower Health, West Reading, USAFollow
Bohdan Syritsa, Hospital Medicine, Reading Hospital, Tower Health, West Reading, USA
Bing Han, Pathology, Reading Hospital, Tower Health, West Reading, USAFollow
Jian Jeff Fu, Pathology, Reading Hospital, Tower Health, West Reading, USA

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-15-2024

Abstract

False positive serologic results are common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) due to the presence of autoantibodies. We present a case of a young patient initially suspected of having a tick-borne disease with a false positive Babesia microti antibody result, and later diagnosed with SLE. Acute babesiosis was excluded after additional laboratory tests such as Babesia polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and blood smear for parasites. The patient's symptoms were then thought to be a new manifestation of SLE and prompted the initiation of systemic steroids with subsequent improvement. False positive serologic Babesia microti test result was attributed to SLE autoantibodies.

Publication Title

Cureus

Volume

16

Issue

11

First Page

73740

Last Page

73740

Recommended Citation

Laskova, A., Syritsa, B., Han, B., & Fu, J. (2024). False Positive Babesia microti Result in New-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Manifesting With Febrile Illness.. Cureus, 16 (11), 73740-73740. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.73740