Babesiosis: 6 Things To Know

Although rare, the condition called Babesiosis is deadly and complex. Being informed about this infection should safeguard you from the dangers associated with it. To give you enough understanding and awareness of babesiosis, here is some pertinent information will help you to detect, diagonise and immediately treat a potentially serious infection:

What is Babesiosis and how is it contracted?

Babesiosis, also known as Babesia, is an infection carried in the blood and it is caused by Babesia divergens protozoa and Babesia microti. This rare infection is usually transmitted through ticks that are carrying Lyme disease. This makes it a possibility that you can get infected with Babesia and Lyme disease simultaneously. Both diseases are common during late spring, summer, and early fall. You may also get infected with Babesia through a contaminated blood transfusion.

What kind of symptoms of Babeosis are experienced?

After a tick bite, Babesia generally has a 7-28 day incubation period before symptoms become apparent. You will probably show flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills headaches and muscle pain. They can last up to several months. Most commonly noticeable at night, you may feel some anemia, depression, nausea, jaundice, vomiting, and sweating. Telltale signs of the disease resemble malaria symptoms.

Babesiosis: How is it diagnosed?

Many past cases of Babesiosis have been mistaken for Malaria. The sole variation in symptoms is the fever that accompanies Malaria. In order to properly determine whether you have Babesiosis, your symptoms, personal history and the tick bite will all have to be considered, and a blood test must also be taken. A blood test can determine the differences between the two diseases. The ring-like formation cause by Malaria coupled with the tetrads that are visible in the red blood cells of people infected with Babesiosis form a so-called Maltese Cross. Doctors use a variety of tests to diagnose this condition including IFA tests, PCC techniques and Giema stains.

How is it treated?

One method of treating babesiosis is by using a combination of anti-parasite medications. Antibiotics are useless against this infection as it is a parasitic infection rather than bacterial. An antibiotic, such as clindamycin, may be used in combination with other drugs, including quinine sulfate. Azithromycin is one more antibiotic which also can be used along with an antimalaria medicine , Antovaquone. In some cases, exchange blood transfusions also help treat Babesiosis.

What are its complications?

As with other infections not immediately or properly treated, Babesiosis could cause complications, especially in the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, and those whose spleens have been removed. Severe anemia, low blood pressure, liver problems and even fatalities have been reported in such unhealthy conditions. Your situation could get a whole lot more dicey if you're also infected with Lyme disease. On the other hand, if you are healthy, Babesiosis should not be that harmful and can cause only momentary and mild health issues.

How can Babesiosis be prevented?

To prevent Babesiosis is to avoid tick bites. If you're planning on doing some sort of outdoor activity such as hiking or camping and it happens to be in an area heavily populated by the ticks that cause Lyme disease, you would do well to wear clothing that covers you from head to toe or, if you prefer, stem to stern. Shoes with good coverage, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and socks are what should be worn. Insect repellents can also be applied. Finally, you need to check for ticks on your body from time to time, or after an outdoor activity in the grassy and woody areas, especially during late spring, summer, and early fall. Ticks are most commonly found during these seasons.

Do not worry too much about being infected with babesiosis as it is an exceedingly rare infection. As long as you know how to prevent it, recognize its symptoms, and have it treated immediately by your physician, you will be safe from this disease.