Babesia spp Definition - Microbiology Key Term

Definition

Babesia spp are protozoan parasites that infect red blood cells, causing babesiosis. They are transmitted primarily through tick bites.

Babesia microti is the most common species causing human infection in the United States.
Symptoms of babesiosis include fever, chills, sweats, and hemolytic anemia.
The primary vector for Babesia spp is the Ixodes scapularis tick, also known as the black-legged or deer tick.
Asplenic individuals and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe babesiosis.
Diagnosis is typically made through blood smears showing intraerythrocytic parasites or PCR testing.

The tick species that transmits Babesia spp.

Hemolytic Anemia: A condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made.

Single-celled eukaryotic organisms, some of which can cause diseases in humans.