Babesiosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
An infectious disease affecting the red blood cells, Babesiosis is caused by a microscopic parasite known as Babesia, which is transmitted via tick bites. We will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of babesiosis in this blog post.
Causes of Babesiosis
One of the many species of Babesia parasites causes Babesiosis in humans. Babesia microti and Babesia duncani are the most common parasites that infect humans. The parasites invade and multiply inside the red blood cells, causing them to rupture and release toxins.
Infection with Babesia is primarily caused by tick bites. The ticks that carry Babesia are the same ticks that carry Lyme disease, such as blacklegged ticks or deer ticks. The tick is primarily found in the northeastern, midwestern, and western states of the United States, as well as in some parts of Europe and Asia.
A blood transfusion or organ transplant from a donor with Babesia can also lead to infection. This is rare, but it can happen if the donation's blood or organ is not tested for the disease.
Symptoms of Babesiosis
Many people who are infected with Babesia do not have any symptoms, or only have mild flu-like symptoms, such as:
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Fever
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Chills
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Sweating
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Headache
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Muscle or joint pain
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Fatigue
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Loss of appetite
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Nausea
The symptoms usually appear one to four weeks after the tick bite, but sometimes they can take longer to show up.
There are, however, some people who can suffer serious or life-threatening complications from babesiosis, especially if they have a weakened immune system, a failed or missing spleen, or another tick-borne disease, such as Lyme.
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Hemolytic anemia, a condition where the red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced, leading to low levels of oxygen in the body
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Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin, a waste product of red blood cell breakdown
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Kidney failure, a loss of kidney function due to damage from toxins or low blood pressure
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Liver failure, a loss of liver function due to damage from toxins or infection
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Low blood pressure, a drop in blood pressure due to dehydration, blood loss, or shock
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Blood clots, a formation of clumps of blood cells that can block the blood vessels and cause strokes, heart attacks, or pulmonary embolism
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Respiratory distress, a difficulty in breathing due to fluid buildup in the lungs or low oxygen levels
These complications can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Diagnosis of Babesiosis
Babesiosis can be diagnosed by a blood test that looks for the presence of the parasites or the antibodies against them. The blood test can be done by:
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Blood smear, a microscopic examination of a drop of blood that can show the parasites inside the red blood cells
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Indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test, a test that uses a special dye that binds to the antibodies against Babesia and makes them glow under a fluorescent microscope
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Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, a test that amplifies and detects the genetic material of the parasites
The blood test can also check for other tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis, that can coexist with babesiosis.
Treatment of Babesiosis
Babesiosis can be treated with a combination of antiparasitic and antibiotic drugs that kill the parasites and prevent them from multiplying. The most common drugs used are:
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Atovaquone, an antiparasitic drug that interferes with the energy production of the parasites
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Azithromycin, an antibiotic drug that inhibits the protein synthesis of the parasites
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Clindamycin, an antibiotic drug that inhibits the protein synthesis of the parasites
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Quinine, an antimalarial drug that interferes with the metabolism of the parasites
The treatment usually lasts for 7 to 10 days, but it can be longer for severe cases or for people who have a relapse of the infection.
For people who have severe or life-threatening complications, such as hemolytic anemia, kidney failure, or blood clots, they may need additional treatments, such as:
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Blood transfusion, a procedure that replaces the patient’s blood with fresh donor blood that does not have the infection
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Exchange transfusion, a procedure that removes the patient’s blood and replaces it with fresh donor blood that does not have the infection
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Dialysis, a procedure that filters the waste products and excess fluid from the blood using a machine
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Anticoagulants, drugs that prevent the formation of blood clots or dissolve existing ones
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Oxygen therapy, a treatment that delivers oxygen to the lungs using a mask or a tube
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Mechanical ventilation, a treatment that uses a machine to help the patient breathe
These treatments can be lifesaving, but they can also have side effects or complications, such as infections, allergic reactions, or bleeding.
Prevention of Babesiosis
The best way to prevent babesiosis is to avoid getting bitten by ticks that carry the infection. This can be done by:
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Using insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on the skin and clothing
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Treating clothes and gear with permethrin, a chemical that kills ticks on contact
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Avoiding tick-infested areas, such as wooded, grassy, or brushy places
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Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes that cover the skin
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Checking the body, clothes, and pets for ticks after being outdoors and removing them as soon as possible
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Showering or bathing within two hours of being outdoors to wash off any ticks that may be attached
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Washing and drying clothes at high temperatures to kill any ticks that may be on them
Blood or organ donors can also be screened for the infection before transfusion or transplantation. This can reduce the risk of contracting babesiosis from contaminated blood or organs.
Summary
There are many diseases that affect the red blood cells, including Babesiosis, which is caused by microscopic parasites called Babesia that are transmitted by tick bites. Symptoms range from mild to severe, with complications that can be life-threatening. It can be diagnosed through a blood test that detects parasites or antibodies against them. A combination of antiparasitic drugs as well as antibiotics can be used to treat severe cases, and sometimes additional treatments may be required. By avoiding tick bites, using insect repellents, and screening blood and organ donors, you can prevent Babesiosis. Babesiosis can be a serious illness, but it can be treated and prevented with proper care and awareness.
