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The Parasite: Babesia is a microscopic parasite that occurs primarily in the Northeast and upper Midwest of the United States. It has two hosts, and its life cycle begins when a Babesia-infected tick bites the first host — generally a white-footed mouse. The parasite, in sporozite form, undergoes asexual reproduction in the mouse's blood. It is eventually transmitted to another tick during a blood meal. Babesia is transmitted to humans through tick bites (most commonly deer ticks). In rare instances, the Babesia parasite is transmitted through a transfusion of blood from a donor with a case of silent Babesiosis or by congenital transmission during pregnancy (i.e. from infected mother to baby). Once inside a human host, the parasite invades and can destroy the host's red blood cells, sometimes faster than the body can replace them.
The Infection: Many people who are infected with Babesiosis have no symptoms, but others develop flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, sweats, chills, loss of appetite, nausea and fatigue. The Babesia parasite infects and destroys red blood cells and this can lead to a particular form of anemia known as hemolytic anemia. This kind of anemia can cause jaundice and dark urine. Babesiosis can be life threatening if untreated and also for people who do not have a normally functioning spleen, a weakened immune system or another serious health condition like kidney or liver disease.
Treatment: People who have no symptoms from Babesiosis generally do not require treatment. If symptoms are present, physicians usually treat the infection for 7 to 10 days with a combination of two prescription medicines: atovaguone and azithromycin or clindamycin and quinine. Patients with more severe cases may require additional treatments to relieve specific symptoms. Most people respond well to the prescription drug treatments.
Prevention: The best defense against Babesiosis is to avoid exposure to ticks. Ixodes scapularis or deer ticks are found in wooded, brushy or grassy areas and are more prevalent during warm seasons. If outdoors in tick habitats, walk on cleared trails and try to minimize contact with underbrush and grasses. Wear socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts, exposing as little skin as possible. Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to spot, and do a thorough "tick check" after being outdoors. Apply insect repellent to skin and clothing, and remove ticks as soon as possible if they become attached to the skin (it takes 24-36 hours for ticks to transmit the parasite).
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Featured in Masters of Disguise, Episode 4 of MONSTERS INSIDE ME
Wednesday, July 22, 9 PM e/p
Single-minded, ruthless and devious, these parasites are the most deceptive on the planet. Highlighting Acanthamoeba keratitis, the Strongyloides threadworm and Babesiosis.
 Visit the Monsters Inside Me video gallery.
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