Babesiosis is a tick-borne protozoan infection caused by Babesia parasites, most commonly Babesia microti in the United States. Babesia infects and lyses erythrocytes, causing a syndrome that ranges from asymptomatic infection to febrile hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, jaundice, and severe parasitemia-associated pulmonary, renal, hepatic, coagulation, or neurologic complications.
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name: Babesiosis
creation_date: "2026-05-10T14:07:24Z"
updated_date: "2026-05-10T14:07:24Z"
category: Infectious Disease
parents:
- Protozoa infectious disease
- Tick-borne disease
synonyms:
- Babesia infection
- Human babesiosis
- Piroplasmosis
description: >-
Babesiosis is a tick-borne protozoan infection caused by Babesia parasites,
most commonly Babesia microti in the United States. Babesia infects and lyses
erythrocytes, causing a syndrome that ranges from asymptomatic infection to
febrile hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, jaundice, and severe
parasitemia-associated pulmonary, renal, hepatic, coagulation, or neurologic
complications.
disease_term:
preferred_term: babesiosis
term:
id: MONDO:0005661
label: babesiosis
mappings:
mondo_mappings:
- term:
id: MONDO:0005661
label: babesiosis
mapping_predicate: skos:exactMatch
mapping_source: Orphanet ORPHA:108
mapping_justification: >-
Orphanet ORPHA:108 lists MONDO:0005661 as an exact cross-reference for
Babesiosis.
external_assertions:
- name: Orphanet Babesiosis disease record
source: Orphanet
assertion_type: structured_disease_record
external_id: ORPHA:108
url: http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?lng=en&Expert=108
description: >-
Orphanet's ORPHA:108 record provides the Babesiosis definition, all-ages
onset, prevalence class, HPO phenotype table, and exact MONDO mapping used
in this entry.
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "MONDO:0005661 | Exact"
explanation: Orphanet maps ORPHA:108 exactly to the MONDO term used by this entry.
definitions:
- name: Orphanet Babesiosis definition
definition_type: OTHER
description: >-
Infectious disease caused by Babesia protozoa with manifestations ranging
from asymptomatic infection to febrile hemolytic anemia and fulminant
illness.
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "Babesiosis is an infectious disease caused by protozoa of the genus <i>Babesia</i> and characterized by a febrile illness and hemolytic anemia"
explanation: Orphanet defines Babesiosis by Babesia infection, febrile illness, and hemolytic anemia.
- name: Erythrocytic Babesia infection definition
definition_type: OTHER
description: >-
Human babesiosis is caused by Babesia parasites that invade erythrocytes and
produce a febrile hemolytic anemia, with severe persistent disease
concentrated in asplenic or immunocompromised hosts.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:28202022
reference_title: "Hematologic manifestations of babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "The disease is caused by the protozoa of the genus Babesia, which invade human erythrocytes and lyse them causing a febrile hemolytic anemia."
explanation: This review directly links Babesia infection, erythrocyte invasion, erythrocyte lysis, fever, and hemolytic anemia.
references:
- reference: ORPHA:108
title: Babesiosis
findings:
- statement: >-
Orphanet defines Babesiosis, provides all-ages onset, a European point
prevalence class, common and occasional HPO phenotypes, and the exact
MONDO mapping.
supporting_text: "Babesiosis is an infectious disease caused by protozoa of the genus <i>Babesia</i> and characterized by a febrile illness and hemolytic anemia"
- reference: PMID:34539601
title: "Babesia microti: Pathogen Genomics, Genetic Variability, Immunodominant Antigens, and Pathogenesis."
found_in:
- Babesiosis-deep-research-asta.md
findings:
- statement: >-
Deep-research-retrieved review supporting Babesia microti as the most
common human Babesia species, Ixodes tick transmission, occasional
transfusion/perinatal/transplant transmission, smear/PCR diagnosis, and
standard antimicrobial regimens.
supporting_text: "Babesia microti, the most common species that infects humans, is endemic in the Northeastern and upper Midwestern United States and is sporadically reported elsewhere in the world."
- reference: PMID:28202022
title: Hematologic manifestations of babesiosis.
findings:
- statement: >-
Review supporting Babesia erythrocyte invasion and lysis, febrile
hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, DIC, splenic rupture,
HLH, and severe disease in splenectomized or immunosuppressed patients.
supporting_text: "The disease is caused by the protozoa of the genus Babesia, which invade human erythrocytes and lyse them causing a febrile hemolytic anemia."
- reference: PMID:33224678
title: "Babesiosis: Appreciating the Pathophysiology and Diverse Sequela of the Infection."
findings:
- statement: >-
Human-subject literature review supporting the broad complication spectrum
and higher risk of life-threatening disease in patients with significant
comorbidities.
supporting_text: "While most infections are mild to moderate in immunocompetent hosts, life-threatening complications can occur in those with significant comorbidities like congestive heart failure (CHF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)."
- reference: PMID:33252652
title: "Clinical Practice Guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA): 2020 Guideline on Diagnosis and Management of Babesiosis."
findings:
- statement: >-
Evidence-based guideline source for clinical diagnosis and management of
babesiosis.
supporting_text: "The purpose of this guideline is to provide evidence-based guidance for the most effective strategies for the diagnosis and management of babesiosis."
- reference: PMID:11078770
title: Atovaquone and azithromycin for the treatment of babesiosis.
findings:
- statement: >-
Randomized clinical trial showing atovaquone plus azithromycin is as
effective as clindamycin plus quinine for non-life-threatening babesiosis
and causes fewer adverse reactions.
supporting_text: "CONCLUSIONS: For the treatment of babesiosis, a regimen of atovaquone and azithromycin is as effective as a regimen of clindamycin and quinine and is associated with fewer adverse reactions."
- reference: PMID:33179803
title: Parasite burden and red blood cell exchange transfusion for babesiosis.
findings:
- statement: >-
Human clinical series supporting parasitemia as a severity marker and red
blood cell exchange transfusion for selected patients with high
parasitemia and end-organ dysfunction.
supporting_text: "Our data suggest that the use of parasitemia >10%, coupled with clinical status, is a reasonable indicator for RCE in babesiosis patients."
infectious_agent:
- name: Babesia
description: Protozoan genus responsible for human babesiosis.
infectious_agent_term:
preferred_term: Babesia
term:
id: NCBITaxon:5864
label: Babesia
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "Babesiosis is an infectious disease caused by protozoa of the genus <i>Babesia</i>"
explanation: Orphanet identifies Babesia protozoa as the causative genus.
- reference: PMID:28202022
reference_title: "Hematologic manifestations of babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "The disease is caused by the protozoa of the genus Babesia, which invade human erythrocytes and lyse them causing a febrile hemolytic anemia."
explanation: This review confirms the causative genus and erythrocyte tropism.
- name: Babesia microti
description: Most common Babesia species causing human babesiosis.
infectious_agent_term:
preferred_term: Babesia microti
term:
id: NCBITaxon:5868
label: Babesia microti
evidence:
- reference: PMID:34539601
reference_title: "Babesia microti: Pathogen Genomics, Genetic Variability, Immunodominant Antigens, and Pathogenesis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Babesia microti, the most common species that infects humans, is endemic in the Northeastern and upper Midwestern United States and is sporadically reported elsewhere in the world."
explanation: The Asta-retrieved review identifies B. microti as the most common human-infecting Babesia species.
transmission:
- name: Ixodid tick transmission
description: >-
Most human infections are acquired from hard-bodied Ixodes tick vectors,
with regional endemicity in the northeastern and upper midwestern United
States.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:34539601
reference_title: "Babesia microti: Pathogen Genomics, Genetic Variability, Immunodominant Antigens, and Pathogenesis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Most infections are transmitted by Ixodid (hard-bodied) ticks"
explanation: The review identifies Ixodid tick bites as the main transmission route.
- reference: PMID:28202022
reference_title: "Hematologic manifestations of babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Babesiosis, a zoonotic parasitic infection transmitted by the Ixodes tick, has become an emerging health problem in humans that is attracting attention worldwide."
explanation: This review also supports Ixodes tick-mediated zoonotic transmission.
- name: Blood product and vertical transmission
description: >-
Less common routes include transfusion-associated, perinatal, and organ
transplant transmission.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:34539601
reference_title: "Babesia microti: Pathogen Genomics, Genetic Variability, Immunodominant Antigens, and Pathogenesis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "although they occasionally can be spread through blood transfusion and rarely via perinatal transmission and organ transplantation."
explanation: The review distinguishes non-tick transmission routes that occur occasionally or rarely.
pathophysiology:
- name: Tick-borne Babesia host entry
description: >-
Ixodid ticks introduce Babesia parasites into the human host, initiating
bloodstream infection.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: symbiont entry into host
term:
id: GO:0044409
label: symbiont entry into host
modifier: INCREASED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:34539601
reference_title: "Babesia microti: Pathogen Genomics, Genetic Variability, Immunodominant Antigens, and Pathogenesis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Most infections are transmitted by Ixodid (hard-bodied) ticks"
explanation: Ixodid tick transmission supports host entry as the initiating exposure.
downstream:
- target: Babesia erythrocyte invasion and parasitemia
causal_link_type: DIRECT
description: Tick-borne infection seeds bloodstream parasites that invade erythrocytes.
- name: Babesia erythrocyte invasion and parasitemia
description: >-
Babesia parasites invade human erythrocytes and replicate as intraerythrocytic
parasites, producing measurable parasitemia.
cell_types:
- preferred_term: erythrocyte
term:
id: CL:0000232
label: erythrocyte
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: symbiont entry into host cell
term:
id: GO:0046718
label: symbiont entry into host cell
modifier: INCREASED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:28202022
reference_title: "Hematologic manifestations of babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "The disease is caused by the protozoa of the genus Babesia, which invade human erythrocytes and lyse them causing a febrile hemolytic anemia."
explanation: Human clinical review evidence directly supports erythrocyte invasion.
- reference: PMID:28202022
reference_title: "Hematologic manifestations of babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Blood smear revealed intraerythrocytic Babesia, which was confirmed by PCR."
explanation: The case-based review documents intraerythrocytic parasites detected by smear and confirmed molecularly.
downstream:
- target: Babesia-mediated erythrocyte hemolysis
causal_link_type: DIRECT
description: Intraerythrocytic Babesia infection leads to erythrocyte lysis.
- target: Parasitemia-associated end-organ dysfunction
causal_link_type: DIRECT
description: Higher parasite burden is associated with hemolysis, coagulopathy, and organ dysfunction.
- name: Babesia-mediated erythrocyte hemolysis
description: >-
Erythrocyte lysis by Babesia causes febrile hemolytic anemia and related
hematologic abnormalities.
cell_types:
- preferred_term: erythrocyte
term:
id: CL:0000232
label: erythrocyte
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: symbiont-mediated hemolysis of host erythrocyte
term:
id: GO:0019836
label: symbiont-mediated hemolysis of host erythrocyte
modifier: INCREASED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:28202022
reference_title: "Hematologic manifestations of babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "The disease is caused by the protozoa of the genus Babesia, which invade human erythrocytes and lyse them causing a febrile hemolytic anemia."
explanation: The review links erythrocyte lysis to febrile hemolytic anemia.
downstream:
- target: Parasitemia-associated end-organ dysfunction
causal_link_type: DIRECT
description: Hemolysis contributes to severity markers and downstream organ complications.
- name: Parasitemia-associated end-organ dysfunction
description: >-
Increasing parasite burden is associated with hemolysis, coagulopathy, and
pulmonary, renal, and hepatic dysfunction; severe disease is more likely in
splenectomized or immunosuppressed patients.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33179803
reference_title: "Parasite burden and red blood cell exchange transfusion for babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Laboratory measures indicating degrees of hemolysis, coagulopathy, and pulmonary, renal and hepatic dysfunction differed significantly across peak parasitemia levels."
explanation: Human clinical data support a relationship between peak parasitemia and multi-organ dysfunction.
- reference: PMID:33179803
reference_title: "Parasite burden and red blood cell exchange transfusion for babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "These results indicate a strong association between peak parasitemia level and disease severity."
explanation: The clinical series directly links parasite burden to disease severity.
- reference: PMID:28202022
reference_title: "Hematologic manifestations of babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "follows a persistent, relapsing, and/or life threatening course with multi-organ failure, mainly in the splenectomized or immunosuppressed patients."
explanation: The review supports increased risk of severe and persistent disease in splenectomized or immunosuppressed hosts.
phenotypes:
- category: Hematologic
name: Hemolytic anemia
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
description: Hemolytic anemia is a core clinical manifestation caused by erythrocyte infection and lysis.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Hemolytic anemia
term:
id: HP:0001878
label: Hemolytic anemia
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0001878 | Hemolytic anemia | Very frequent (99-80%)"
explanation: Orphanet lists hemolytic anemia as a very frequent Babesiosis phenotype.
- reference: PMID:28202022
reference_title: "Hematologic manifestations of babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "The disease is caused by the protozoa of the genus Babesia, which invade human erythrocytes and lyse them causing a febrile hemolytic anemia."
explanation: Human clinical review evidence supports hemolytic anemia as a direct consequence of erythrocyte lysis.
- category: Constitutional
name: Fever
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
description: Fever is a very frequent manifestation of symptomatic babesiosis.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Fever
term:
id: HP:0001945
label: Fever
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0001945 | Fever | Very frequent (99-80%)"
explanation: Orphanet lists fever as a very frequent Babesiosis phenotype.
- category: Neurologic
name: Headache
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
description: Headache is a very frequent symptom in babesiosis.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Headache
term:
id: HP:0002315
label: Headache
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0002315 | Headache | Very frequent (99-80%)"
explanation: Orphanet lists headache as a very frequent Babesiosis phenotype.
- category: Hepatobiliary
name: Jaundice
frequency: FREQUENT
description: Jaundice is a frequent hepatobiliary manifestation, consistent with hemolysis and hepatic involvement.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Jaundice
term:
id: HP:0000952
label: Jaundice
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0000952 | Jaundice | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet lists jaundice as a frequent Babesiosis phenotype.
- category: Constitutional
name: Hyperhidrosis
frequency: FREQUENT
description: Sweating or hyperhidrosis is a frequent constitutional manifestation.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Hyperhidrosis
term:
id: HP:0000975
label: Hyperhidrosis
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0000975 | Hyperhidrosis | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet lists hyperhidrosis as a frequent Babesiosis phenotype.
- category: Abdominal
name: Splenomegaly
frequency: FREQUENT
description: Splenomegaly is a frequent finding in babesiosis.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Splenomegaly
term:
id: HP:0001744
label: Splenomegaly
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0001744 | Splenomegaly | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet lists splenomegaly as a frequent Babesiosis phenotype.
- category: Hematologic
name: Thrombocytopenia
frequency: FREQUENT
description: Thrombocytopenia is a common hematologic abnormality in babesiosis.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Thrombocytopenia
term:
id: HP:0001873
label: Thrombocytopenia
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0001873 | Thrombocytopenia | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet lists thrombocytopenia as a frequent Babesiosis phenotype.
- reference: PMID:28202022
reference_title: "Hematologic manifestations of babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Full evaluation showed a febrile hemolytic anemia along with neutropenia and thrombocytopenia."
explanation: Human clinical review evidence supports thrombocytopenia with febrile hemolytic anemia.
- category: Hematologic
name: Leukopenia
frequency: FREQUENT
description: Leukopenia can occur as part of the hematologic abnormality spectrum.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Leukopenia
term:
id: HP:0001882
label: Decreased total leukocyte count
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0001882 | Leukopenia | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet lists leukopenia as a frequent Babesiosis phenotype.
- category: Hepatobiliary
name: Hepatomegaly
frequency: FREQUENT
description: Hepatomegaly is a frequent hepatobiliary finding.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Hepatomegaly
term:
id: HP:0002240
label: Hepatomegaly
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0002240 | Hepatomegaly | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet lists hepatomegaly as a frequent Babesiosis phenotype.
- category: Immunologic
name: Recurrent or relapsing infection
frequency: FREQUENT
description: >-
Recurrent, relapsing, or persistent infection can occur, especially in
splenectomized or immunosuppressed patients.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Recurrent infections
term:
id: HP:0002719
label: Recurrent infections
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0002719 | Recurrent infections | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet lists recurrent infections as a frequent Babesiosis phenotype.
- reference: PMID:28202022
reference_title: "Hematologic manifestations of babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "follows a persistent, relapsing, and/or life threatening course with multi-organ failure, mainly in the splenectomized or immunosuppressed patients."
explanation: Human clinical review evidence supports relapsing or persistent babesiosis in high-risk hosts.
- category: Musculoskeletal
name: Arthralgia
frequency: FREQUENT
description: Arthralgia is a frequent musculoskeletal symptom.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Arthralgia
term:
id: HP:0002829
label: Arthralgia
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0002829 | Arthralgia | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet lists arthralgia as a frequent Babesiosis phenotype.
- category: Musculoskeletal
name: Myalgia
frequency: FREQUENT
description: Myalgia is a frequent symptom.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Myalgia
term:
id: HP:0003326
label: Myalgia
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0003326 | Myalgia | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet lists myalgia as a frequent Babesiosis phenotype.
- category: Constitutional
name: Fatigue
frequency: FREQUENT
description: Fatigue is a frequent constitutional symptom.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Fatigue
term:
id: HP:0012378
label: Fatigue
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0012378 | Fatigue | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet lists fatigue as a frequent Babesiosis phenotype.
- category: Respiratory
name: Cough
frequency: FREQUENT
description: Cough is a frequent respiratory symptom.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Cough
term:
id: HP:0012735
label: Cough
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0012735 | Cough | Frequent (79-30%)"
explanation: Orphanet lists cough as a frequent Babesiosis phenotype.
- category: Renal
name: Renal insufficiency
frequency: OCCASIONAL
description: Renal insufficiency can occur in severe babesiosis with end-organ dysfunction.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Renal insufficiency
term:
id: HP:0000083
label: Renal insufficiency
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0000083 | Renal insufficiency | Occasional (29-5%)"
explanation: Orphanet lists renal insufficiency as an occasional Babesiosis phenotype.
- reference: PMID:33179803
reference_title: "Parasite burden and red blood cell exchange transfusion for babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Laboratory measures indicating degrees of hemolysis, coagulopathy, and pulmonary, renal and hepatic dysfunction differed significantly across peak parasitemia levels."
explanation: Human clinical data link parasitemia with renal dysfunction.
- category: Hematologic
name: Disseminated intravascular coagulation
frequency: OCCASIONAL
description: Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy is an occasional severe hematologic complication.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Disseminated intravascular coagulation
term:
id: HP:0005521
label: Disseminated intravascular coagulation
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0005521 | Disseminated intravascular coagulation | Occasional (29-5%)"
explanation: Orphanet lists disseminated intravascular coagulation as an occasional Babesiosis phenotype.
- reference: PMID:28202022
reference_title: "Hematologic manifestations of babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Hematologic manifestations of the disease are common. They can range from mild anemia, to severe pancytopenia, splenic rupture, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), or even hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)."
explanation: Human clinical review evidence supports DIC as part of the severe hematologic spectrum.
- category: Respiratory
name: Respiratory insufficiency
frequency: OCCASIONAL
description: Respiratory insufficiency can occur with severe end-organ dysfunction.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Respiratory insufficiency
term:
id: HP:0002093
label: Respiratory insufficiency
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0002093 | Respiratory insufficiency | Occasional (29-5%)"
explanation: Orphanet lists respiratory insufficiency as an occasional Babesiosis phenotype.
- reference: PMID:33179803
reference_title: "Parasite burden and red blood cell exchange transfusion for babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Laboratory measures indicating degrees of hemolysis, coagulopathy, and pulmonary, renal and hepatic dysfunction differed significantly across peak parasitemia levels."
explanation: Human clinical data link peak parasitemia with pulmonary dysfunction.
- category: Hepatobiliary
name: Hepatic failure
frequency: OCCASIONAL
description: Hepatic failure is an occasional severe complication.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Hepatic failure
term:
id: HP:0001399
label: Hepatic failure
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0001399 | Hepatic failure | Occasional (29-5%)"
explanation: Orphanet lists hepatic failure as an occasional Babesiosis phenotype.
- reference: PMID:33179803
reference_title: "Parasite burden and red blood cell exchange transfusion for babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Laboratory measures indicating degrees of hemolysis, coagulopathy, and pulmonary, renal and hepatic dysfunction differed significantly across peak parasitemia levels."
explanation: Human clinical data link peak parasitemia with hepatic dysfunction.
- category: Neurologic
name: Confusion
frequency: OCCASIONAL
description: Confusion is an occasional neurologic manifestation of severe disease.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Confusion
term:
id: HP:0001289
label: Confusion
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0001289 | Confusion | Occasional (29-5%)"
explanation: Orphanet lists confusion as an occasional Babesiosis phenotype.
- category: Gastrointestinal
name: Nausea and vomiting
frequency: OCCASIONAL
description: Nausea and vomiting can occur as gastrointestinal symptoms.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Nausea and vomiting
term:
id: HP:0002017
label: Nausea and vomiting
evidence:
- reference: ORPHA:108
reference_title: "Babesiosis"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "HP:0002017 | Nausea and vomiting | Occasional (29-5%)"
explanation: Orphanet lists nausea and vomiting as an occasional Babesiosis phenotype.
diagnosis:
- name: Blood smear and PCR confirmation
description: >-
Diagnosis is confirmed by direct visualization of intraerythrocytic Babesia
parasites on blood smear or by molecular PCR testing.
diagnosis_term:
preferred_term: diagnostic procedure
term:
id: MAXO:0000003
label: diagnostic procedure
results: Intraerythrocytic Babesia on smear or positive Babesia PCR confirms infection.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:34539601
reference_title: "Babesia microti: Pathogen Genomics, Genetic Variability, Immunodominant Antigens, and Pathogenesis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Diagnosis is usually confirmed by blood smear or polymerase chain reaction (PCR)."
explanation: The review identifies blood smear and PCR as usual confirmatory tests.
- reference: PMID:28202022
reference_title: "Hematologic manifestations of babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Blood smear revealed intraerythrocytic Babesia, which was confirmed by PCR."
explanation: This clinical review example supports smear detection with PCR confirmation.
treatments:
- name: Atovaquone plus azithromycin pharmacotherapy
description: >-
Atovaquone plus azithromycin is an effective regimen for
non-life-threatening babesiosis and causes fewer adverse reactions than
clindamycin plus quinine in a randomized trial.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Pharmacotherapy
term:
id: NCIT:C15986
label: Pharmacotherapy
therapeutic_agent:
- preferred_term: atovaquone
term:
id: CHEBI:575568
label: atovaquone
- preferred_term: azithromycin
term:
id: CHEBI:2955
label: azithromycin
target_mechanisms:
- target: Babesia erythrocyte invasion and parasitemia
description: Antiprotozoal antimicrobial therapy targets the causative Babesia infection.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11078770
reference_title: "Atovaquone and azithromycin for the treatment of babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "A promising alternative treatment is atovaquone plus azithromycin."
explanation: The trial abstract identifies atovaquone plus azithromycin as a studied alternative regimen.
- reference: PMID:11078770
reference_title: "Atovaquone and azithromycin for the treatment of babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "CONCLUSIONS: For the treatment of babesiosis, a regimen of atovaquone and azithromycin is as effective as a regimen of clindamycin and quinine and is associated with fewer adverse reactions."
explanation: The randomized clinical trial supports efficacy and better tolerability of atovaquone plus azithromycin.
- name: Clindamycin plus quinine pharmacotherapy
description: >-
Clindamycin plus quinine is the standard comparator regimen in the
non-life-threatening babesiosis trial, but adverse reactions are common.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Pharmacotherapy
term:
id: NCIT:C15986
label: Pharmacotherapy
therapeutic_agent:
- preferred_term: clindamycin
term:
id: CHEBI:3745
label: clindamycin
- preferred_term: quinine
term:
id: CHEBI:15854
label: quinine
target_mechanisms:
- target: Babesia erythrocyte invasion and parasitemia
description: Antiprotozoal antimicrobial therapy targets the causative Babesia infection.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11078770
reference_title: "Atovaquone and azithromycin for the treatment of babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "A course of clindamycin and quinine is the standard treatment, but this regimen frequently causes adverse reactions and occasionally fails."
explanation: The randomized trial abstract describes clindamycin plus quinine as the standard comparator regimen.
- reference: PMID:11078770
reference_title: "Atovaquone and azithromycin for the treatment of babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Adverse effects were reported by 15 percent of the subjects who received atovaquone and azithromycin, as compared with 72 percent of those who received clindamycin and quinine (P<0.001)."
explanation: The trial quantifies the higher adverse-effect burden with clindamycin plus quinine.
- name: Red blood cell exchange transfusion for severe babesiosis
description: >-
Red blood cell exchange transfusion can be considered for severe babesiosis
with high parasitemia and end-organ dysfunction.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: blood transfusion
term:
id: MAXO:0000756
label: blood transfusion
target_mechanisms:
- target: Parasitemia-associated end-organ dysfunction
description: Exchange transfusion lowers parasite burden in severe high-parasitemia disease.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33179803
reference_title: "Parasite burden and red blood cell exchange transfusion for babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Nineteen subjects underwent RCE, all with peak parasitemia ≥9% and some degree of end-organ dysfunction."
explanation: Human clinical data describe red blood cell exchange use in patients with high parasitemia and organ dysfunction.
- reference: PMID:33179803
reference_title: "Parasite burden and red blood cell exchange transfusion for babesiosis."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Our data suggest that the use of parasitemia >10%, coupled with clinical status, is a reasonable indicator for RCE in babesiosis patients."
explanation: The clinical series supports using parasitemia plus clinical status to select patients for red blood cell exchange.
This report is retrieval-only and is generated directly from Asta results.
search_papers_by_relevance with snippet_search.