Babesiosis

Background

• Spread by the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis)
  • People often unaware they are bitten
• Natural reservior is the white footed mouse
• Endemic in US, Europe, parts of Russia and China
  • Babesia Microti is pathogen in US

Symptoms

• • Fever, hemolytic anemia, chills, thrombocytopenia, DIC
  • More severe disease in immunocompromized patients (HIV, Elderly, Asplenic)

Diagnosis

• Peripheral blood smear
  • Shows intracellular parasites
    • Maltese Cross sign
  • May need large smear as parasitemia can be as low as 1%
  • Can often be confused for malaria parasites

Treatment

• 2 drug regimen for 7-10 days
  • Atovaquone (750mg BID) and Azithromycin (500-1000mg on first day, 250-1000mg on subsequent days)
  • Clindamycin (600mg PO TID or 300-600mg IV QID) and Quinine (650mg TID)

See Also

• Tick Borne Illnesses

Sources

• Wikipedia
• cdc.gov/parastites/babesiosis