Babesiosis

Babesiosis is a disease that is caused by microscopic parasites that infect the red blood cells. The Babesia infection in the United States is commonly caused by the tick/parasite Babesia microti.  Other Babesia tick has been detected in different cases, but Babesia microti is more of the common parasite found in human.  Babesia microti is spread by tickborne transmission, and is frequent in particular regions and season. These ticks can be found in parts of the Northeast and upper Midwest region, and its prevalent during the warm months.

There are several ways to get infected by Babesia parasite:

•  Most common way is through a bite of an infected tick during an outdoor activity
•  Transfusion from a blood donor who has the infection, but they have no symptoms (Less    common)
•  Congenital transmission, from mothers to her baby during pregnancy or delivery (very rare case)

This parasite is not transmitted from person to person. These symptoms can range from being asymptomatic to life threatening disease.  Many people do not feel sick if they are infected, and some people might experience flu-like symptoms. Since this parasite attacks the red blood cells it can cause special type of anemia called hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia can lead to jaundice or dark urine. 

Patients who are at risk:

•  who do not have spleen
•  weak immune system
•  other serious health conditions
•  the elderly.

Treatment is available to patients infected by Babesiosis. Patients who do not show signs of having Babesiosis do not need to be treated.

http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/babesiosis/gen_info/index.html