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Babesiosis


Babesiosis is a tick borne parasitic infection caused by Babesia microti (commonly North America) and Babesia divergens (commonly Europe).

Many people who are infected with Babesia microti are asymptomatic. Patients may experience nonspecific flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, sweats, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea and/or fatigue. In severe cases it may result in hemolytic anemia, blood clots, organ failure, unstable blood pressure, and in very rare cases death may occur.


Detection of Babesia spp. by microscopy

  • Sample type: Please send a minimum of 2ml of EDTA anti-coagulated blood. Diagnosis is via microscopic examination of thick and thin blood films.

 

Detection of Babesia spp. by PCR

  • Sample type: Please send a minimum of 0.5ml of EDTA anti-coagulated blood. PCR may be performed on the same sample that is sent for microscopic examination of thick and thin blood films if required


Detection of antibodies to Babesia microti by serology

  • Please note that detection of antibodies to Babesia microti is no longer available.