Babesiosis
Prevalence highest in New England, upper Midwest and Pacific Northwest states
Pathogen responsible is Babesia microti, and erythrocytic parasite, transmitted by I. Scapularis or I. Pacificus ticks
Incubation uncertain may be from one to 12 weeks
Notes:
Babesiosis.
1. The prevalence of this illness is highest in the New England
states and states in the upper Midwest and Pacific Northwest.
2. The pathogen responsible for this illness is Babesia microti, an
erythroctyic parasite, transmitted by L scapularis or L pacificus ticks.
3. The incubation period is uncertain but may be from one to 1 to12 weeks. Symptoms and signs.
a. Symptoms are self-limited in many patients and resemble a mild viral syndrome.
b. The illness features malaria-like symptoms that include chills, fever, headache, myalgias, anemia and prostration (in more severe cases).
c. Deaths associated with this illness have been reported in some states.
Diagnosis
a.Piroplasms (ring forms) are found in red blood cells in Giemsastained peripheral smears (similar to those seen in malaria).
b. Diagnostic immunofluorescent antibody assays JFA) can be obtained from reference laboratories or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These results may be useful for confirmation of B. microti infection.
c. Polymerase chain reaction may become practical for documenting B. microti infection in human blood.
d. The presence of hemolytic anemia and the previously mentioned signs and symptoms in a patient bitten by a tick are highly suggestive of babesiosis.
6. Treatment consists of one of the following regimens:
a. Oral clindamycin (Cleocinfl, 300 mg four times per day, with oral quinidine, 650 mg three times per day, for seven to 10 days.
b. Intravenous clindamycin, 300 mg four times per day, with intravenous quinidine, 650 mg three times per day, for seven to 10 days.\
Prognosis.
a. If diagnosis and treatment are accomplished early in the course of the illness, patient response is typically excellent.
b. Severe complications and death may occur in unrecognized or untreated cases or in patie