Babesia
Babesia spp
Infection route
Ticks can pick up babesia from an infected host (e.g. rodent) during the blood meal and transmit it to humans when bitten. The most common vector in Europe is the common wood tick(Ixodes ricinus). The wood tick (Dermacentor reticulatus) is a vector of Babesia canis canis, the causative agent of canine babesiosis ("canine malaria").
Symptomatology
In humans, the disease is rarely diagnosed. Infection is often clinically inconspicuous, i.e. without symptoms. The disease is more severe in immunocompromised individuals, patients who have had their spleen removed, and the elderly. When symptoms do occur, they are similar in some respects to malaria: fever, anemia, and jaundice may occur. In acute cases, coffee-brown to red-colored urine is common. Severe cases that damage the kidneys and liver can also lead to death.
Situation in Austria
In Austria, Babesia divergens, Babesia venatorum and Babesia microti have been detected in ticks so far. Babesiosis cases in humans with a source of infection in Austria have also been described. Most reported cases of babesiosis in Europe are due to B. divergens and occur in immunocompromised individuals, as well as in individuals who have had their spleen removed (the spleen plays an essential role in the immune system, especially in defending against germs in the blood).
Specialized information
The following criteria, are associated with high morbidity and mortality: Parasitemia >10%; hemoglobin <10 g/dL; previous splenectomy; adult respiratory distress syndrome; and acute renal failure.
Typical treatment of human babesiosis in Europe is based on clindamycin and quinine in conjunction with blood transfusion. Clindamycin can sometimes be used alone, and exchange transfusion can be avoided in mild cases. Atovaquone in combination with azithromycin is also effective.
Infections caused by B. divergens are usually more severe (often fatal if not treated appropriately) than infections caused by B. microti, in which clinical recovery usually occurs.
Diagnostic
In the acute phase, Babesia sp. infection can be confirmed by microscopic examination of stained blood smears. Species identification is possible with PCR.
Stained blood smears from a person infected with Babesia sp. show typical piriform (pear-shaped) merozoites in clusters of two and four, as well as round shapes without parasitic pigment. Xenodiagnosis (detection of the parasite in a different/"foreign" host) or in vitro culture can isolate the parasite. Serology does not allow species identification, but can help assess exposure to Babesia spp. in epidemiological studies.
Last updated: 12.04.2023
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