Complete Information on Babesiosis with Treatment and Prevention

Babesiosis is named for Victor Babes. Babesiosis is an intraerythrocytic parasitic infection. Babesiosis is caused by hemoprotozoan parasites of the genus Babesia. Babesia microti and Babesia divergens have been identified in most human cases, but variants have been recently identified. Babesiosis is frequent in endemic areas of the northeastern and northwestern United States, particularly Long Island, New York, and Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. 

Babesiosis affects all age groups with similar frequency. Babesiosis is carryied by the bite of an contaminated deer tick, Ixodes scapularis. Transmission can also happen via transfusion of contaminated blood. Several reported cases of infection via blood transfusions from donors who lived in or traveled to an endemic area have been documented. Babesiosis causes a disease very similar to Malaria. In mild cases, people may experience mild fevers and anemia. Arthropod-borne viral infections may be confused with babesiosis. However, arboviral illnesses are characterized by the extreme rapidity of onset and clinical severity.

Which is not the case in babesiosis unless the spleen is absent. Most cases of babesiosis resolve without any specific treatment.. Some drugs used in the treatment of malaria have been found to be effective in some patients with babesiosis. Two antibiotics (atovaquone and azithromycin can be equally effective ) are usually used to treat babesiosis. In life-threatening cases, exchange transfusion is performed. In this procedure, the infected red blood cells are removed and replaced with fresh ones. During outside activities, wear long sleeves and long pants tucked into socks. Wear a hat, and tie hair back.

Insect repellents containing botanical oils, such as oil of geranium, cedar, lemongrass, soy or citronella are also available. Use insecticides to repel or kill ticks. Repellents containing the compound deet can be used on exposed skin except for the face, but they do not kill ticks and are not 100% effective in preventing tick bites. After outdoor activities, check yourself for ticks, and have a "buddy" check you, too. Remove attached ticks immediately. Use tweezers, and grab as closely to the skin as possible. Do not try to remove ticks by squeezing them, coating them with petroleum jelly, or burning them with a match.