BABESIOSIS
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Babesiosis is a rare, tick-transmitted
disease that is caused most often by the single-celled parasite
Babesia microti. By 1995, fewer than 500 cases of babesiosis had
been reported in the United States. The disease occurs primarily in
New England and New York, especially on the coastal islands. However,
cases have occurred in other parts of the United States. Because of
tick activity, the risk for babesiosis is highest during June and
July.
Ticks are small, blood-sucking arachnids. Although some ticks carry
disease- causing organisms, most do not. Babesia microti is spread
to humans through the bite of the tick Ixodes scapularis (also
called Ixodes dammini). Ixodes scapularis, called the "blacklegged
deer tick," usually feeds on deer and mice. A tick picks up the
parasites by feeding on an infected mouse and then passes them on by
biting a new host, possibly a human. To pass on the parasites, the
tick must be attached to the skin for 36-48 hours. Once in the
bloodstream, Babesia microti enters a red blood cell, reproduces by
division, and destroys the cell. Humans infected with Babesia
microti produce antibodies that can be helpful in diagnosing the
infection. |
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