14/02/2022
Babesia
It is zoonotic disease.
It also affects
cattle
horses
sheep
pigs
goats
dogs.
Symptoms
Babesia infection most often starts with a high fever, chills, muscle or joint aches, and fatigue. Less common symptoms include:
Severe headache
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Skin bruising
Yellowing of your skin and eyes
Mood changes
"Complications can include"
Very low blood pressure
Liver problems
Breakdown of red blood cells, known as Hemolytic anemia
Kidney failure
Heart failure
*Causes of babesiosis*
Babesiosis is caused by infection with a malaria-like parasite of the genus Babesia. The Babesia parasite can also be called Nuttalia.
The parasite grows and reproduces inside the red blood cells of the infected person or animal, often causing intense pain due to the rupture of red blood cells.
"How babesiosis is diagnosed"
In the early stages, Babesia parasites can be detected by examination of a blood sample under a microscope. Diagnosis by blood smear microscopy requires significant time and expertise. Smears can be negative if there is a very low level of parasitemia in the blood, especially early on in the disease, and they may need to be repeated over several days.
"Treatment"
Babesia is a parasite and won’t respond to antibiotics alone. Treatment requires antiparasitic drugs, such as those used for malaria. Atovaquone plus azithromycin is used to treat most mild to moderate cases and is usually taken for 7 to 10 days. An alternative regimen is clindamycin plus quinine.
Treatment of severe disease usually consists of azithromycin given intravenously plus oral atovaquone or clindamycin given intravenously plus oral quinine. With severe illness, additional supportive measures may be taken, such as blood transfusions.
