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Babesia in the
blood |
Babesiosis
is a malaria-like infection caused by several Babesia (B.)
protozoa that parasitize red blood cells. There is one species
in the East (B. microti) and newly described species from
the midwest and West coast. The black-legged tick and probably
the Western black-legged tick trasmit the parasites.
Signs/Symptoms:
Fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and anemia. A
blood test may reveal the parasite in red blood cells. Chronic
mild infection occurs. Babesiosis is more severe, and sometimes
fatal, in elderly people or in those who have had their spleens
removed. Immunosuppression may occur. |
