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Category: Other Tick-borne Diseases
What is babesiosis?
Babesiosis is another disease that can be transmitted by the ticks that
carry the agent of Lyme Disease. It is caused by an protozoan inside red
blood cells: babesia microti. The clinical manifestations of the illness can
be mild or severe and include such symptoms as intermittent
temperature elevations, high fevers, chills, sweats, myalgia, arthalgia,
nausea, and vomiting. There may be an associated anemia or low
platelet count or protein in the urine. The most accurate way of
diagnosing babesiosis is by blood smear, however many labs are now
providing PCR assays which are thought to be accurate when done in a
reputable lab with good quality controls standards. Serologic testing is
also useful; a reactive titer however does not necessarily indicate that
infection is present. Therapy for babesiosis includes either clindamycin
and quinine or atovaquone (Mepron). Because in some areas 10% of
ticks that carry the agent of Lyme Disease also carry the agent of
Babesiosis and because co-infection can make Lyme Disease seem
more chronic and resistant to antibiotics, testing for coinfection is very
important.
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LYME DISEASE
