Babesiosis (Infection From Tick Bite) | Pathophysiology, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Babesiosis is a tick-borne illness caused by the parasitic protozoa of the genus Babesia, which can be transmitted to humans via a bite by a tick of the genus Ixodes (Deer Tick). Infection with Babesia protozoa leads to protozoal invasion of erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells), which can become destroyed by the parasites or become removed by the patient’s spleen. Signs and symptoms of Babesiosis can be vague and non-specific, making diagnosing the condition difficult. However, having a suspicion of this condition, especially in patients who have camped in endemic areas, is going to be important in patients with unexplained fever (or Fever of Unknown Origin).

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JJ

REFERENCES:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430715/
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/212605-overview?_gl=1*1dgi812*_gcl_au*MTEwNjAzOTQ5OC4xNzI3NTY3MzEy

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