subject: Babesiosis: 6 Things To Know [print this page] Babesiosis: 6 Things To Know Babesiosis: 6 Things To Know
Some seem surprised that just a tick bite can cause a complicated infection such as Babesiosis. To know and understand about the infection you must know what Babesiosis is and how can it be contracted, its symptoms, how to diagnose it, how it is treated, its complications, and how to prevent it. Basesiosis is a rare yet complicated and fatal disease. Being informed about this infection should safeguard you from the dangers associated with it. To give you enough understanding and awareness of babesiosis, here is some pertinent information will help you to detect, diagonise and immediately treat a potentially serious infection: What is Babesios and how can you get it? The blood-borne infection caused by Babesia microti and Babesia divergens protozoa is known as Babesia or Babesiosis. This rare infection is usually transmitted through ticks that are carrying Lyme disease. This means there is the potential to have a Babesia and Lyme Disease infection at the same time. Each of these diseases is prevalent from late in spring to early in autumn. You may also get infected with Babesia through a contaminated blood transfusion. What kind of symptoms of Babeosis are experienced? After a tick bite, Babesia generally has a 7-28 day incubation period before symptoms become apparent. You will probably show flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills headaches and muscle pain. They can last up to several months. Most commonly noticeable at night, you may feel some anemia, depression, nausea, jaundice, vomiting, and sweating. Often, the symptoms often mimic those of malaria How do you know if it is Babesiosis? Many cases in the past have failed because Babesiosis has been mistaken as Malaria. The primary difference between them is that Malaria will cause a fever as a symptom. Apart from studying the symptoms, your personal history, including your tick bite, and a blood test will be required in order to appropriately diagnose Babesiosis. Variations between these diseases are observable with blood testing. Patients who suffer from Babesiosis usually have something called a Maltese cross, or tetrads, in the red blood cells, while those who suffer from malaria may have ring-like formation in those same cells. Doctors use a variety of tests to diagnose this condition including IFA tests, PCC techniques and Giema stains. What is the mode of treatment? Babesiosis may be treated using a combination of anti-parasite medicines. You will not get well with common antibiotics, since this infection is not due to bacteria, but rather a parasite. Clindamycin and other antibiotics such as quinine sulfate may be used in combination with one another and others. You might also want to try another antibiotic called a zithromycin, which can be combined with an antimalarial drug called atovaquone. For some situation, blood transfusions can be used as a Babesiosis treatment. What are its complications? Like other diseases that are not properly taken care of, Babesiosis also can cause major problems for people, and especially for senior citizens, those who are suffering with immune system problems and those who have their spleen surgically removed. Severe anemia, low blood pressure, liver problems and even fatalities have been reported in such unhealthy conditions. The presence of Lyme disease complicates treatment. If, however, you enjoy good health and have a reasonably strong constitution, Babesiosis will probably not even register on your personal radar system. How can Babesiosis be prevented? The best way to prevent Babesiosis is to make sure you do not get bitten by ticks. When partaking physical outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, or hunting, it is necessary to completely cover ones body. Cover yourself well and do not expose any part of the body. Insect repellents can also be applied. At the end you must frequently check for the presence of ticks on your body or after an outing in grassy and woody areas, particularly during early fall late spring, summer and summer. Ticks are most commonly found in the spring and summer. Do not worry too much about being infected with babesiosis as it is an exceedingly rare infection. As long as you know how to prevent it, recognize its symptoms, and have it treated immediately by your physician, you will be safe from this disease.
