Human Babesiosis in China: a systematic review

Human babesiosis, a worldwide emerging tick-borne disease, is caused by the intraerythrocytic apicomplexan parasite, babesia. In recent years, the number of infected patients globally has continued to rise, and thus human babesiosis poses a significant public health threat. Therefore, stronger initiatives should be undertaken to prevent further spread and development of this disease. In the present review, we summarize the epidemiology of reported human babesiosis cases in China from 1993 until now. The data show that Babesia microti is the dominant species causing human babesiosis in China and has led to more than 100 human infections thus far, where Babesia crassa-like is the second-most common. Moreover, Guangxi province is the second-most infected area after the Heilongjiang province. We also review the babesia life cycle, manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment. Additionally, we discuss babesiosis prevention strategies to raise public awareness, and also provide suggestions for improved babesiosis control.