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Babesiosis: An update on epidemiology and treatment

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Abstract

Babesiosis is caused by a tick-borne hemoparasite that, like malaria, can cause fever, hemolysis, and anemia. Typically self-limited, in the asplenic, immunocompromised, or elderly, disease can be severe or deadly. US cases have been primarily due to Babesia microti; WA-1, which may be related to Babesia gibsoni; and MO-1, related to Babesia divergens. European infections are usually due to B. divergens. North American cases are treated either with quinine and clindamycin or with atovaquone and azithromycin. The latter regimen appears less toxic.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford Street, Suite # 801, 02114, Boston, MA, USA

    Jeffrey A. Gelfand MD

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  1. Jeffrey A. Gelfand MD
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  2. Michael V. Callahan MD, MSPH, DTM&H (UK)
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Gelfand, J.A., Callahan, M.V. Babesiosis: An update on epidemiology and treatment. Curr Infect Dis Rep 5, 53–58 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-003-0065-z

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