Babesiosis
Introduction.
Babesiosis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease
caused by the protozoan Babesia microti and others. Most infections are mild or
asymptomatic, and anemia is the main cause of symptoms. It must be
distinguished from malaria.
Summary
- Cause: Babesia spp.
- Microscopy: Sporozoan protozoa (trophozoite and merozoite)
- Transmission: Ticks (Vector) from animal
reservoir (zoonosis)
- Life
cycle
- Symptoms: malaise, fever, headache, chills, sweating, fatigue
- Complications: Hemolytic anemia, renal failure (esp. in asplenic or
immunocompromised patients)
- Pathogenesis: Intracellular pathogen of RBCs
- Treatment: Clindamycin + quinine