Babesiosis: Tickborne and Congenital Infections

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Tickborne Diseases. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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Babesiosis: Tickborne and Congenital Infections

Tickborne infections typically cause no symptoms in most healthy people, but some may get flu-like symptoms. Those who are elderly, splenectomized, or have weakened immune systems can get hemolytic anemia, as a high percentage of RBCs can be parasitized.
Congenital babesiosis remains rare. The mother may be asymptomatic but has a high titer. On average, symptoms in reported cases started 19–41 days after birth. Parasitemia ranges from 2–15%.
Infants received exchange transfusions. Exchange transfusions reduce parasitemia, hemolysis, and hypoxia. They also remove cytokines, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin-1. Organ perfusion is improved, and hemodynamics are stabilized. Exchange transfusions also mediate acute respiratory failure.