Detection of Colpodella sp. in blood of an ICU patient in Guizhou Province, China: a preliminary molecular report

Colpodella sp. is an emerging tick-borne protozoan that causes fever, anemia, and neurological symptoms. Although this protozoan has previously been identified in animals and ectoparasite vectors within Guizhou Province, its prevalence among human populations remains unclear. We report a case of Colpodella sp. infection in a patient admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary hospital in Guizhou Province, China. This case represents the first documented human infection with Colpodella sp. in this region, highlighting its potential as an emerging pathogen. Our findings provide preliminary evidence of human infection and underscore the urgent need for further epidemiological studies to evaluate the public health implications of Colpodella sp.