GROUP 11
PRESENTING : BABESIOSIS
Causative agent
Babesiosis is a tick-borne parasitic disease caused by the protozoa of the
genus Babesia . It primarily affect the blood cells , leading to symptoms
similar to malaria.
Babesiosis is caused by intraerythrocytic protozoan
parasites of the genus Babesia belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa .
These parasites infect the red blood cells (RBCs)of veterbrates host
causing lysis and anemia
Babesia microti being the most common in humans particularly in united
states in the Northeast and upper Midwest.Transmitted by black-legged
tick (ixodes scapularis)
Host
• Definative host: Ixodes ticks ( especially Ixodes scapularis , the black
legged tick) act as vector , transmitting parasite.
• Intermediate Host: Human and animals ( such as cattle ,rodents and
deer) serve as reservoir where the parasite multiplies.
Epidemiology
Babesiosis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia, which
infect red blood cells. Here's a brief overview of its epidemiology:
1.Transmission: Babesiosis is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Ixodes
ticks, particularly Ixodes scapularis (the black-legged tick), which is also known for
transmitting Lyme disease. In rare cases, it can be transmitted through blood
transfusions or from mother to fetus.
2.Geographic Distribution: The disease is most commonly reported in the
Northeastern and North-Central United States, particularly in states like
Massachusetts, New York, and Wisconsin. It also occurs in parts of Europe, Asia, and
Africa.
3.Incidence: The incidence of babesiosis has been increasing in recent years,
particularly in endemic regions, possibly due to changes in tick habitat and human
activities that increase exposure to ticks.
4.Population at Risk: Individuals at higher risk of severe disease include the elderly,
those with compromised immune systems, and people without a spleen. Awareness
of the disease is particularly important for individuals living in or traveling to endemic
areas.
Lyfe Cycle
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
Lyfe cycle
1.Tick Stage: The life cycle begins when the tick (usually Ixodes species)
feeds on an infected host (like a deer or rodent) and ingests the Babesia
parasites present in the host's bloodstream.
2.Infection in the Tick: Inside the tick, the Babesia undergoes asexual
reproduction and multiplies. The parasites can remain in the tick for a long
period, during which they can infect subsequent hosts.
3.Transmission to New Hosts: When the infected tick bites a new host
(commonly humans, but also other mammals), it transmits the Babesia
parasites into the host's bloodstream.
4.Infection in the Host: Once inside the human host, the Babesia parasites
invade red blood cells. They multiply within the red blood cells, leading to
their destruction, which causes the symptoms of babesiosis.
5.Cycle Completion: If another tick bites the infected host, the process can
repeat, as the tick can ingest the parasites, continuing the life cycle
SYMPTOMS
• Many cases are asymptomatic especially in health individuals
• In symptomatic cases , symptoms appear 1 – 4 weeks after a tick bite
• Fever
• Chills
• Sweats
• Fatigue and weakness
• Headache and body aches
• Hemolytic anemia ( destruction of red blood cells )
• Jaundice and dark coloured urine
Diagnosis
1.Laboratory Tests:
1.Blood Smear: A thick and thin blood smear can be used to
visualize the parasites in red blood cells under a microscope.
The presence of intraerythrocytic trophozoites or merozoites
is indicative of infection.
2.PCR Testing: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests can
detect Babesia DNA in the blood, providing a more sensitive
and specific diagnosis.
3.Serology: Serological tests can identify antibodies against
Babesia, but these may not be useful in the early stages of
infection.
2.Differential Diagnosis: Other conditions that may
mimic babesiosis, such as malaria and other febrile
Treatment
• Mild to moderate cases ; Use a combination of atovaquone and
azythromizing for 7 -10 day
• Savere cases: use clyndamising and quinine ( especially if symptoms
are serious)
• Supportive care: may include fluids , oxygen and monitoring and
hospital
• Blood transfusion: in very savere cases with low red blood cell count ,
a blood transfusion may be needed
• Early treatment: starting treatment early helps prevent serious
complications
Prevention
• Avoid tick bite : wear long sleeve, use insect repellent and avoid tick
infected areas
• Perform tick checks : remove ticks promptly with fine tip tweezers
• Control tick population: keep grass short and use accariside in tick prone
areas
• Blood screening: to prevent transfusion related infections, donated blood
should be screened for Babesia in endemic regions
• ;
References
• Vannier E , Krause PJ . Human babesiosis . N Engl J Med . 2012;366
(25):2397-2407. Nejmral202018
• Hatcher JC , Greenberg PD , Antique J , Jimenez VE. Severe babesiosis
in long Inland 2001;299220
