🦠 Chapter 335 · Babesiosis (Babesia)

Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics 22nd Edition | Babesiosis is a malaria-like illness caused by intraerythrocytic protozoa (Babesia microti in US). Transmitted by Ixodes ticks (same vector as Lyme disease). Incubation 1-9 weeks. Clinical: fever, myalgia, fatigue, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia. Asplenic, elderly, or immunocompromised patients can have severe disease (high parasitemia, ARDS, DIC). Diagnosis: blood smear (Maltese cross tetrad), PCR. Treatment: atovaquone + azithromycin (preferred) or clindamycin + quinine. Exchange transfusion for severe cases.