Babesiosis

Symptoms: 
  • Fever and nausea
  • Chills 
  • Profuse sweating
  • Headache and body ache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Hemolytic anemia (from the destruction of red blood cells)
Tests to diagnose: 

Probing blood specimens under a microscope and observing the Babesia parasites that are present inside the red blood cells.

 

Treatment: 

Medications will be prescribed by the doctor,which is usually a combination of:

  • Atovaquone and azithromycin (fewer side effects)
  • Clindamycin and quinine 

In severe cases however blood transfusion may be adviced.