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Review
. 2008 Sep;22(3):469-88, viii-ix.
doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2008.03.010.

Human babesiosis

Edouard Vannier  1 , Benjamin E Gewurz, Peter J Krause
Affiliations
Review

Human babesiosis

Edouard Vannier et al. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2008 Sep.

Abstract

Human babesiosis is an emerging intraerythrocytic infection caused by protozoal parasites transmitted by ixodid ticks. Babesiosis is endemic in the northeastern and upper midwestern regions of the United States and is found sporadically in other parts of the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Babesial infections range from asymptomatic to severe and occasionally are fatal. Specific laboratory diagnosis of babesial infection is made by morphologic examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears, serology, and amplification of babesial DNA using polymerase chain reaction. The combination of atovaquone and azithromycin is the treatment of choice for mild-to-moderate illness, whereas clindamycin and quinine and exchange transfusion are indicated for severe disease.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Life cycle of the Ixodes scapularis tick
Figure 2
Figure 2. Ring forms of Babesia microti in human blood smear (× 1000)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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