Babesiosis overview: Difference between revisions
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===Laboratory Findings=== | ===Laboratory Findings=== | ||
Babesiosis is easy to diagnose but only if it is suspected. It will not show up on any routine tests. It must be suspected when a persons with exposure in an endemic area develops persistent [[fevers]] and [[hemolytic anemia]]. | Babesiosis is easy to diagnose but only if it is suspected. It will not show up on any routine tests. It must be suspected when a persons with exposure in an endemic area develops persistent [[fevers]] and [[hemolytic anemia]]. | ||
==Treatment== | |||
Most cases of babesiosis resolve without any specific treatment. For ill patients, treatment is usually a two-drug regimen. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 20:50, 12 December 2012
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Babesiosis Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Babesiosis overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Babesiosis overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Babesiosis is an uncommon malaria-like parasitic disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia. Babesiosis is a vector-borne illness usually transmitted by ticks. (Babesia microti uses the same tick vector, Ixodes scapularis, as Lyme disease does, and frequently occurs in conjunction with it.)
Pathophysiology
Babesia parasites reproduce in red blood cells, where they can be seen as cross-shaped inclusions (4 merozoites asexually budding but attached together forming a structure looking like a "Maltese Cross") and cause hemolytic anemia, quite similar to malaria.Note that unlike the Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria, Babesia species lack an exo-erythrotic phase, so the liver is usually not affected.
Causes
In the United States, babesiosis usually is caused by a parasite called "Babesii microti". The parasite attacks red blood cells in much the same way as the parasite that causes malaria. When a Babesia-infected tick bites a person, it introduces parasites that may cause symptoms of the disease.
Diagnosis
Laboratory Findings
Babesiosis is easy to diagnose but only if it is suspected. It will not show up on any routine tests. It must be suspected when a persons with exposure in an endemic area develops persistent fevers and hemolytic anemia.
Treatment
Most cases of babesiosis resolve without any specific treatment. For ill patients, treatment is usually a two-drug regimen.