Babesiosis is a rare infection caused by protozoa of the genre Babesia SP. causing symptoms such as fever, headache, excessive tiredness or weakness.
A Babesia SP. It is transmitted through the bite of tick infected with the protozoan and, despite being more frequent in dogs, can also be transmitted to people, despite being rarer.
Babesiosis treatment is done by the infectologist or general practitioner and usually involves the use of antiparasites and/ or antibiotics.
Babesiose symptoms
The main symptoms of babesiosis in humans are:
- Fever or chills;
- Headache;
- Redness, swelling and increased temperature of the tick bite site;
- Cold sweat;
- Muscle pain;
- Excessive tiredness or weakness;
- Yellowish skin and eyes due to the destruction of red blood cells;
- Presence of blood in the urine and dark urine.
Babesiosis symptoms are related to the entrance of the protozoan into the blood blood cells (red blood cells), where they reproduce until it causes its destruction and infect other red blood cells.
However, most cases Babesiosis is asymptomatic, but symptoms may appear up to 4 weeks after contact with the infected tick.
In the case of healthy people, symptoms often disappear within 1 week.
Is Babesiosis serious?
Babesiosis can be severe when the parasite affects more red blood cells and may cause complications such as hemolytic anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, renal failure, pulmonary edema and liver changes, for example.
Generally, severe babesiosis is more frequent in people with the most compromised immune system.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of babesiosis is made by the general practitioner or infectologist through the evaluation of symptoms, health history and tick bite, and physical and laboratory tests.
Make an appointment with the infectologist in the region nearest to you:
Thus, the doctor must request tests, such as blood smear, to identify the parasite within the red blood cells, or examination of antigens or antibodies against species of Babesia sp.
In addition, in some cases, the doctor may indicate the performing molecular examination (PCR) to differentiate the Babesia sp. do Plasmodium SP., which is the parasite responsible for malaria.
Also read: Malaria: what it is, symptoms, transmission, cycle and treatment
tuasaude.com/malaria
Cause from babesiosi
Babesiosis is a disease caused by the protozoan Babesia sp., A type of parasite that can infect ticks, especially from the species Ixodes spp.
The main species of Babesia SP. related to Babesiosis are the Babesia divergence and Babesia microti.
How the transmission happens
Human Babesiosis is transmitted through the sticking of the infected tick with the protozoan Babesia sp.
In order to be possible to transmit, the person must be in contact with the tick saliva for at least 12 hours so that the parasite can reach the bloodstream and enter the red blood cells.
In addition, babesiosis can be transmitted by blood transfusion of a contaminated person or during pregnancy, however these forms of transmission are rarer.
Who has the highest risk
The risk of babesiosis in humans is higher in the following situations:
- Elderly;
- Absence of the spleen;
- Chronic diseases such as cancer, lymphoma, kidney or liver disease;
- HIV infection or AIDS.
In such cases, the immune system is more weakened and may cause more severe symptoms of babesiosis.
How treatment is done
Babesiosis treatment should be guided by the general practitioner or infectologist according to the symptoms presented by the person and severity of the infection.
The main treatments for human babesiosis are:
1. Use of medicines
The use of babesiosis remedies are antiparasitic and antibiotics to combat protozoan and avoid complications.
The main remedies for Babesiosis are:
- Atnovaquona + azithromycin;
- Quinine + clindamycin.
These medicines are usually suitable for people with symptoms of babesiosis, and used for 7 to 10 days.
However, they may also be indicated in cases where the person has no symptoms, but has a positive result in blood smears or PCR for more than three months.
2. Hospital hospitalization
Hospital hospitalization is indicated in the most severe cases of babesiosis, especially in people who have weakened immune system.
In the hospital, remedies are applied to the vein, such as quinidine and clindamycin, and the vital signs are monitored.
3. Blood transfusion
Blood transfusion to babesiosis is indicated when the person has anemia with hemoglobin levels less than 10 g/dL or high parasite load, infecting more than 10% of red blood cells.
In such cases, the doctor may recommend transfusion of partial or complete red blood cells, removing the red blood cells and replacing red blood cells from a compatible donor.
Also read: Blood transfusion: what it is, when it is necessary and how it is done
tuasaude.com/em-que-situacoes-e-indicada-a-transfusao-de-sangue
Possible complications of babesiosis
The PTINIPAL complications of Babesiosis in Humans are:
- Change in blood pressure;
- Excessive destruction of red blood cells;
- Great decrease in the amount of platelets, increasing the risk of bleeding;
- Change in liver, kidney and/ or lung function.
It is important that people with fragile immunity begin treatment as soon as the diagnosis is made, as it is possible to prevent the complications of the disease.
Source: www.tuasaude.com