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Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 18e
| Part 8. Infectious Diseases > Section 18. Protozoal Infections > |
Chapter 211. Babesiosis
Sections: Babesiosis: Introduction, Further Readings.
Topics Discussed: babesiosis; parasitic diseases; parasitology.
Excerpt:"Babesiosis is a tick-borne infectious disease caused by parasites of the genus Babesia. These protozoans are obligate parasites of red blood cells (RBCs). Wild and domestic animals are the natural reservoirs of Babesia. Transmission to humans is incidental and was recognized only half a century ago. The vast majority of cases occur in the United States, where babesiosis has the status of an emerging infectious disease. Sporadic cases are reported in Europe and the rest of the world (see "Global Considerations," below).Babesia microti, a parasite of small rodents, is the etiologic agent of babesiosis in the northeastern United States. Highly endemic areas include Nantucket Island, Martha's Vineyard, Block Island, Shelter Island, eastern Long Island, and Fire Island. On the mainland, babesiosis is endemic in southeastern Massachusetts, coastal Rhode Island and Connecticut, central New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. On the West Coast, the etiologic agent is Babesia duncani, a species closely related to those found in wildlife. The index case of infection with this species was reported from Washington State. Several cases were identified in northern California, and one case may have been contracted in central Oregon. Three cases..."
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