Babesiosis is a zoonosis, an infection of the red blood cells (erythrocytes) caused by the Babesia parasite transmitted by the nymph of the deer tick (family Ixodidae). Babesia invades erythrocytes and destroys them. It is a disease that generally affects animals but can also occur in people, although cases are very rare. Most infections occur in healthy people under 40 years of age. In some cases it is life-threatening.
Causes of babesiosis
Babesia-infected tick nymph bite or transfusion
The tick nymph, a host-seeking tick, infected by the parasite ‘B. duncani’ or ‘B. divergens’ common in Europe; ‘B. venatorum’; or ‘B. microti’ common in the United States. The bite usually occurs between the beginning of summer and the end of autumn.
It can also be transmitted by transfusion of contaminated blood. Babesia invades red blood cells (erythrocytes) where it matures and divides asexually until the erythrocytes rupture and microorganisms are released that invade other erythrocytes.
Symptoms of babesiosis
They last on average one to two weeks.
Symptoms usually appear one to four weeks after being bitten by an infected tick or one week to six months after receiving a transfusion with contaminated blood. Most symptoms last one to two weeks but fatigue can persist for several months. In immunosuppressed or elderly patients, more serious and prolonged infections may occur with relapses that require hospitalization. In these cases, babesiosis is potentially fatal.
– High fever.
– Headache.
– Chills.
– Joint pain.
– Muscle pain.
– Fatigue due to hemolytic anemia.
– Jaundice.
– Enlargement of the liver and spleen.
Diagnosis of babesiosis
Blood test
Remembering the tick bite is crucial for diagnosis because the symptoms coincide with other diseases. A blood test and serological tests will be necessary. Giemsa and Wright stains for blood smears identify parasites inside the erythrocytes. They are identified because they have a round, pear or oval shape. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can confirm the diagnosis by detecting Babesia DNA in the blood sample.
Babesiosis treatment and medication
Antiprotozoal and broad spectrum antibiotic
The pharmacological regimen, in cases of mild to moderate babesiosis, consists of atovaquone, an orally active antiprotozoal drug; and broad-spectrum antibiotics such as azithromycin for seven to ten days. In cases of severe babesiosis, oral quinine and intravenous clindamycin are recommended in the hospital. In these cases, surveillance must be maintained for the possible appearance of side effects.
Prevention of babesiosis
Avoid endemic areas and use repellents, among others.
When traveling abroad, you should avoid endemic areas where the tick that transmits the disease is common, such as in northern Argentina and the United States (parts of the Midwest, on the coast and the southern islands of New England and New Jersey).
Key preventive measures include checking the skin for ticks and tucking pants legs into boots, wearing long-sleeved shirts, and repellent products with diethyltoluamide (DEET). Never choose shorts or short-sleeved t-shirts.
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