Reduced Cholesterol Levels during Acute Human Babesiosis

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Babesiosis is an emerging zoonotic parasitic disease with potential links to cholesterol levels.
• Anecdotal evidence suggests a decline in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol during acute babesiosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cholesterol levels in patients with acute babesiosis in an endemic area.
• To determine if HDL cholesterol levels correlate with the severity of babesiosis infection.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records for adult patients diagnosed with babesiosis (2013-2018).
• Analysis of lipid profiles drawn at presentation and baseline (within 2 months of infection).
• Comparison of lipid levels between hospitalized and outpatient groups.

Main Results:

• 39 babesiosis patients had available lipid profiles at presentation.
• Hospitalized patients showed significantly lower median levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and HDL compared to outpatients.
• LDL and HDL levels normalized after resolution of acute babesiosis.

Conclusions:

• Serum LDL and HDL levels are significantly reduced during acute babesiosis.
• Cholesterol depletion may predict babesiosis disease severity.
• Both pathogen and host factors may influence serum cholesterol reduction in babesiosis.