Babesia microti: from Mice to Ticks to an Increasing Number of Highly Susceptible Humans.

TitleBabesia microti: from Mice to Ticks to an Increasing Number of Highly Susceptible Humans.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsWestblade LF, Simon MS, Mathison BA, Kirkman LA
JournalJ Clin Microbiol
Volume55
Issue10
Pagination2903-2912
Date Published2017 10
ISSN1098-660X
KeywordsAnimals, Antiparasitic Agents, Babesia microti, Babesiosis, Hemolysis, Humans, Ixodes, Mice, Tick-Borne Diseases, United States
Abstract

, a zoonotic intraerythrocytic parasite, is the primary etiological agent of human babesiosis in the United States. Human infections range from subclinical illness to severe disease resulting in death, with symptoms being related to host immune status. Despite advances in our understanding and management of , the incidence of infection in the United States has increased. Therefore, research focused on eradicating disease and optimizing clinical management is essential. Here we review this remarkable organism, with emphasis on the clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of human disease.

DOI10.1128/JCM.00504-17
Alternate JournalJ Clin Microbiol
PubMed ID28747374
PubMed Central IDPMC5625376
Related Faculty: 
Lars Westblade, Ph.D.

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