Babesiosis

(Babesia microti)

 
Species

Protozoan

Transmission time

36-48
Hours

 
 

Details

Symptoms

  • Some individuals may be asymptomatic.
  • Flu-like symptoms are possible and include:
    • Vomiting, fatigue, chills, fever, sweats, and nausea,
  • Blood clots, low blood pressure and abnormally low platelets may occur.
  • Immunocompromised individuals, those missing a spleen or with preexisting liver or kidney conditions are at a higher risk to experience more severe symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment

  • Clinical signs and a history of exposure are most often used for diagnosis.
  • Jaundice, an abnormal increase in liver enzymes, an enlarged spleen or liver may indicate infection.
  • A thin blood smear showing hemolytic anemia and Babesia in the red blood cells may also indicate infection.
  • Diagnosis can be confirming via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) detection of Babesia microti DNA in the blood.
  • Antibodies specific to Babesia microti may be detected using an Indirect fluorescent antibody assay.
  • Babesia duncani as a species of protozoan to cause Babesiosis in the US

CDC Treatment Recommendation

  • Adult: Atovaquone 750mg- 2x daily with Azithromycin for 7-10 days or Clindamycin 600mg- 3x daily with Quinine 650mg- 3x daily for 7-10 days.
  • Children: Atovaquone 20mg/kg- 2x daily with Azithromycin for 7-10 days or Clindamycin 7-10mg/kg every 3x daily with Quinine 8mg/kg- 3x daily.

 

 

Disease Pathogenesis

  • Babesia invades red blood cells and causes them to rupture leading to hemolytic anemia.

 

 

 

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