LQCL2417 - CMLE - Babesia: Not Just Sick and Tired-Babesia: Not Just Sick and Tired

Babesia: Not Just Sick and Tired

Pdf Summary

Human babesiosis, caused by Babesia microti transmitted through deer ticks, is an emerging tick-borne disease in the US. The infection presents with nonspecific flu-like symptoms and can range from asymptomatic to severe, impacting those with compromised immunity. Diagnosis involves blood smear microscopy or nucleic acid testing, with severe cases showing a parasitemia over 4%. Hospitalization or immunosuppression can increase the death rate to 5%-20%. Treatment includes atovaquone and azithromycin with potential whole blood exchange for high parasitemia cases. Babesiosis can be mistaken for Lyme disease due to similar transmission methods and symptoms, leading to potential misdiagnosis. Screening for Babesia in blood donations is not mandatory in all states despite the risk of transfusion transmission. The disease is most prevalent in the northeastern US and northern Midwest regions. As awareness and reporting increase, more cases are being diagnosed, emphasizing the need for early identification and appropriate treatment.

Keywords

Human babesiosis

Babesia microti

Tick-borne disease

Flu-like symptoms

Blood smear microscopy

Nucleic acid testing

Atovaquone

Azithromycin

Lyme disease

Transfusion transmission