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Zoonotic babesiosis
Jeremy Gray1, Lars-Victor von Stedingk, Marta Granström
1ERM Department, University College Dublin, Republic of Ireland. jeremy.gray@ucd.ie
International Journal of Medical Microbiology : IJMM
|July 27, 2002
Summary
Zoonotic babesiosis, a tick-borne illness, is gaining attention due to co-infection complexities. Babesia divergens and Babesia microti are key species, presenting diagnostic and treatment challenges in human cases.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Zoonotic babesiosis is increasingly recognized, partly due to the rise of Lyme borreliosis and awareness of co-infection challenges.
- Human babesiosis is primarily caused by Babesia divergens in Europe (often in asplenic patients) and Babesia microti in the USA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of zoonotic babesiosis, focusing on causative agents, clinical presentations, and diagnostic/treatment difficulties.
- To highlight the need for further research into the zoonotic potential of Babesia microti in Europe and its role in co-infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing data on human babesiosis cases.
- Discussion of diagnostic challenges, treatment options (including atovaquone), and vector competence studies.
Main Results:
- Babesia divergens causes severe disease in European splenectomized patients.
- Babesia microti infections in the USA range from subclinical to severe, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Ixodes ricinus demonstrates vector competence for European and American Babesia strains.
Conclusions:
- Zoonotic babesiosis requires careful diagnosis and treatment, especially in co-infection scenarios.
- Further investigation is needed regarding the zoonotic role of Babesia microti in Europe and its impact on Lyme borreliosis treatment.