Babesiosis

Definition

Babesiosis is a tick-borne malaria-like zoonotic infection caused by intraerythrocytic protozoan parasites of the Babesia genus. Humans are opportunistic hosts for Babesia when bitten by nymph or adult ticks. The clinical signs and symptoms of babesiosis are related to the parasitism of RBCs by Babesia. Fever, hemolytic anemia, and hemoglobinuria may result from Babesia infection. As with malaria, RBC fragments may cause capillary blockage and/or microvascular stasis, explaining liver, splenic, renal, and CNS involvement. As with malaria, cells of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) in the spleen remove damaged RBC fragments from the circulation. RBC destruction results in hemolytic anemia.. Babesiosis may also be transmitted via blood transfusion.

Inclusions

• Piroplasmosis

Index Terms