Human Babesiosis

Abstract

Babesiosis is an uncommon wonotic disease; while it is asymptomatic in most cases, in people with some degree of immuno-compromise it can become lethal. It is caused by different types of babesia, the most common being B microti in the United States and B. dive1lJens in Europe; and it's transmiued through the bites of infected deer ticks, Ixodes scapularis. Most cases of the disease occur mainly during summer and spring in Massachusets, northewestcoast ofthe UnitedStates; speciallyinNantucketIsland, Long Island and New York. There have also been reports of cases in Wisconsin, California, Georgia, Missouri and sorne European countries. The disease is capable ofcausing fever, chills, ill-being, fatigue and hemolytic anemia; lasting from a few days to even months straight. Diagnosis is performed by a direct test where the protowarian can be seen inside patient's red blood cells. There are also immunofluorescence and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests available. The treatment that's being used is Quinine and Clyndamicine, despite them having many adverse reactions. Other drugs have also been used, such as azytromicine, tetracyclines and atovaquone. The main prevention measure deals with controlling the tick which transmits the disease.