Being infected with some kind of infectious agent is very common in this polluted world. People don’t wonder or get surprised when they or someone else have an infection. Many infections are mild and can be cured completely, but there are some infections that are usually mild but in its severe condition it can be fatal also. One such very rare parasitic infection of the blood, especially of the RBCs, in humans, is called as babesiosis.
About Babesiosis
Babesiosis a tick borne infection; the ixodid ticks present on deer, meadow voles, and mice usually carry this intra-erythrocytic protozoan parasite called as Babesia parasite. Tick borne infections are very common in US, it peaks up during the warm weather. Although many people with babesiosis do not show any symptoms, but those who show symptoms have very effective treatment options. As babesiosis infection do not show any symptoms, it is very difficult to diagnosis the condition, and in many people it occurs along with other tick borne diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, or anaplasmosis at the same time.
Causes
In US, babesiosis infection is caused by the parasite called as Babesii microti. The parasite attacks the red blood cells (RBC) in the similar fashion as malarial parasite. When the bebesia infected tick bite a human it injects the parasite into the blood stream, which later shows symptoms of the disease. Transfusion of blood contaminated by Babesia parasite can also cause the infection. In few cases, it has been reported that the parasite is transmitted from a mother to baby, either during pregnancy or delivery.
Symptoms
Many people infected with babesiosis do not show any symptoms, but in those who show, the symptoms appear 1 to 4 weeks after the person is infected with the parasite. Symptoms includes
- Headache and muscle ache
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue/tiredness
- Joint ache
- Sweating
- Nausea & vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Hemolytic anemia can result in jaundice and dark colored-urine
These symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of cold and flu but in few, babesiosis can suddenly become severe and can cause death also. The risk of sudden seriousness increases in people who have had their spleen removed, who are old, have kidney or liver disease or very weak immune system.
Diagnosis
A simple blood test can show the presence of the parasite. A mild to severe hemolytic anemia and little low white blood cell count are non specific diagnosis of babesiosis. Sometimes, it is hard to distinguish a babesiosis parasite from a malarial parasite by a simple blood smear examination. Therefore, to confirm babesiosis it is better to have a second laboratory reference. There are 3 distinguishing features that distinguish a babesiosis parasite from malarial parasite- they are babesia parasite usually form tetrad inside the RBC; they do not have the hemozoin pigment (iron containing pigment that is usually present in malarial parasite) inside the affected RBC; and they have extra-cellular merozoites (a stage in the life cycle of the parasite).
Patients with Lyme disease who do not respond to treatment might actually be suffering from babesiosis infection. Some laboratories follow the serological evaluation with an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test using B. microti antigen. Another widely used diagnostic technique is polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, which is more sensitive and specific for acute cases of babesiosis.
Treatment
Treatment is not required in case of mild infection, and in people who have a strong immune system as the body will itself fight the infection. Babesiosis infection is treated with an antibiotic along with an anti-parasitic medicine. But unfortunately even with continuous treatment the patient will continue to have the disease for another 2 months. Doctors usually prescribe a combination of clindamysin and quinine or atovaquone and azithromycin, in elderly people who have a weak immune system and whose spleen has been removed. In severe cases, patients require a blood transfusion.
Prevention
Babesiosis infection can be prevented by being cautious and taking care precautions. Avoid going around wooden areas, tall grass, and bushes where ticks might be present, especially in warm weather. During hiking and trekking take care that the person wears light colored clothes. Tuck the legs of pants inside the socks, and wear a long sleeved shirt and tuck it. Apply an insecticide containing permethrin to clothes. Insect repellant creams containing DEET (N,N-diethylmetatoluamide) can be applied to skin. Check the body, including scalp, for presence of ticks after outdoor activity. Check clothes, children, and pets for ticks.
Outlook
Tick borne infections are very common, if living in a grassy or bushy area. People have to take every necessary step to prevent an infection rather than juggling to treat it. In case of babesiosis it takes almost 24 hours for the tick to transmit the parasite therefore after an outdoor activity it is important that person should check himself, his children, and his pet or any other thing that might have the tick. Prevention is always better than cure therefore take care while trekking out.