Babesiosis is a parasitic infection that affects the red blood cells. Babesia are group of parasites that infect the animals often and more commonly it attacks the white mice. But rarely the same species of parasites may infect the humans also. A person can get transmitted with the parasites through the bite of blacklegged ticks. Babesiosis is also called as piroplasm.
Mode of Transmission :
Bite of infected tick is the main way in which humans can get Babesia infection. Lxodes scapularis ticks or blacklegged ticks carry these parasites which remain in the nymph stage. Often they spread during summer and spring season and are largely found in woods or grassy regions. People who are infected may not even realize the tick bite since they are very small. In rare cases the person can get infection while receiving contaminated blood which is already infected. In some cases mother can pass on their infection to the fetus during pregnancy.
Prevalence :
Cases of Babesiosis infection have been reported in the regions of New York, New Jersey, New England and Wisconsin. In the Northeast provinces it can occur in the coastal areas like Massachusetts and Nantucket.
Causes :
Babesiosis is caused by Babesia microti parasite. There is more than 20 such variety of piroplasms that are carried by ticks. Ticks are the major source of transmitting the infection to humans and animals.
Symptoms :
Often, people who are infected with Babesia do not show any signs. Some people may develop fever, chills, and headache and body pain resembling flu like symptoms. Babesia parasites are capable of infecting RBC and can cause hemolytic anemia. People with weakened immunity or people with chronic diseases like cancer or AIDS can develop serious symptoms and sometimes it can be life threatening.