Babesiosis pathophysiology
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Babesiosis Microchapters |
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Overview
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.