Babesiosis
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Synonyms and keywords: Babesia microti
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Babesiosis is caused by apicomplexan parasitic organism within the genus Babesia. B. Microti and B. divergens are the two species of Babesia that have been frequently reported as parasitic within human populations.
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Babesiosis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
The most potent risk factors in the development of Babesiosis are a combined effort between environment and season. Babesia parasites are transmitted via tick bites in tick-populated areas. Transmission occurs more frequently during the spring and summer in correlation with heightened periods of tick activity. Other risk factors include repeated exposure to the following potential I. scapularis and Ixodes rodent hosts; white-footed deer mice, rats, voles, chipmunks, and field mice; As well as blood transfusions from donors living within endemic areas.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies
A wide range of physical findings may be associated with patients suffering from babesiosis. Asymptomatic patients will generally appear healthy without any external signs of infection. However physical examination findings are variable depending on the severity of the infection as well as the patient’s medical history. For patients exhibiting symptoms apparent during physical examination, the most common physical findings may range from a moderate fever and minor display of flu-like symptoms to Hepatomegaly, Petechiae, Ecchymoses and Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
The mainstay of therapy for babesiosis is antimicrobial therapy. Patients with mild or moderate disease are treated with a combination of Atovaquone and Azithromycin. Patients with severe disease are treated with either Clindamycin or Clindamycin and Quinine. In life-threatening cases, exchange transfusion is performed.
Case Studies
Template:Protozoal diseases it:Babesiosi nl:Babesiosis fi:Babesioosi