Babesiosis

Babesiosis is transmitted to humans through the blood meal of Ixodes ticks, the same vector as for Lyme disease and human granulocytic anaplasmosis. 

Peak transmission occurs from May to September in the upper midwestern and northeastern US. The disease is rare in other countries.

Transfusion-related transmission is emerging as an important secondary mode of transmission; therefore, transmission can occur anywhere and at any time of year.

Usually asymptomatic or presents as a mild viral-type illness in young and healthy people. May cause more serious disease or be fatal in asplenic or immunocompromised patients and in older people.

Diagnosis is made by visualization of parasites on a peripheral blood smear or by molecular testing.

Management depends on the severity of disease and includes observation and monitoring, antimicrobials, and/or exchange transfusion.

Babesiosis is a tick-borne zoonotic disease typically characterized by fever, hemolysis, and hemoglobinuria. It is most frequently caused by the intraerythrocytic parasite Babesia microti, commonly transmitted through the bite of Ixodes ticks (deer ticks).[1]Vannier E, Krause PJ. Human babesiosis. N Engl J Med. 2012 Jun 21;366(25):2397-407. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22716978?tool=bestpractice.com