infectious diseases
Babesiosis
Etiology of Babesiosis
In the US,Babesia microtiis the most common cause of babesiosis in humans. Rodents are the principal natural reservoir, and deer ticks of the family Ixodidae are the usual vectors. Larval ticks become infected while feeding on an infected rodent, then transform into nymphs that transmit the parasite to another animal or to a human. Adult ticks ordinarily feed on deer but may also transmit the parasite to humans. Babesiaenter red blood cells, mature, and then divide asexually. Infected erythrocytes eventually rupture and release organisms that invade other red blood cells; thus,Babesiacan also be transmitted by blood transfusion and possibly by organ transplantation. A test to screen blood and organ donors forBabesia microtiis currently used in states in the northeastern US with the highest incidences of infection. Congenital infection can also occur but is very rare. (which causes Lyme Disease ), 