Babesiosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by ‘Babesia’ parasites that invade and destroy red blood cells. This disease often has malaria-like effects. While it can affect anyone, newborn babies are at much higher risk.

For their still-developing immune systems, this infection can spread rapidly in infants. Typically starting with flu-like symptoms, it can progress to severe anaemia, jaundice, and breathing difficulties.

Although only 18,294 cases of babesiosis were reported globally between 2011 and 2020, early awareness is key to stopping this mild infection from becoming life-threatening.

In this blog, we will discuss its symptoms, causes, and treatment in detail.

Initial Signs and Symptoms of Babesiosis

The symptoms usually start in an infant 1 or 4 weeks after the babesiosis parasite enters their body. Here is the list of symptoms it shows initially:

1. High fever and Cough
2. Tiredness (Fatigue)
3. Chills
4. Sweating
5. Headache
6. Muscle or Joint Aches

Severe Symptoms of Babesiosis

While it primarily causes flu-like symptoms, as it becomes severe, additional symptoms may also appear, which include,

1. Yellowish skin or eyes (Jaundice)
2. Pale Skin (Pallor)
3. Dark Urine
4. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
5. Nausea and Vomiting
6. Abdominal Pain

Note: Studies show that around 1 in 4 people do not have any symptoms of babesiosis. Moreover, it does not cause rash like other tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease.

Causes of Babesiosis

As you understand what is babesiosis and its symptoms, learn the causes behind this disease.

Babesia Parasites

The main cause of babesiosis is the babesia parasites. These parasites are protozoa or one-celled organisms which cannot be seen without a microscope. In fact, they are from the same clan as the malaria parasite, which infects and destroys the red blood cells of the human body.

Transmission Through Ticks

This condition is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Also known as the blacklegged or deer tick, it is the same ticks that cause Lyme disease. When this infected tick bites an infant, the Babesia parasites enter the infant's body.

Geographical Risk

The prevalence of this disease is higher in certain geographical locations, such as the Northeast and upper Midwest regions of the USA. During the summer, these ticks become fully grown when the chances of infection become high.

Transmission Through Animals

Similarly, like ticks, babesiosis can also be spread to a newborn through the bites of different animals. Once an infected tick bites a small rodent, like a mouse, and then bites a baby, it is automatically transmitted into their body.

What are the Complications of Babesiosis?

If not treated properly, babesiosis can cause these life-threatening complications in newborns, as they have a weak immune system.

1. Hemolytic Anaemia: Babesia parasites destroy blood cells rapidly, which can cause hemolytic anaemia.
2. Heart Failure:  A significant drop in red blood cells can lead to heart failure. 
3. Enlarged Spleen and Liver: Complications make the spleen and liver swell beyond their normal size.
4. Fluid Buildup in Lungs: Also known as pulmonary oedema, this condition makes breathing extremely hard.
5. Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC): This condition creates blood clots in the body, which can lead to uncontrollable bleeding.
6. Organ Damage or Failure: Severe infections will lead to damage or failure of vital organs such as the kidneys and liver.

How is Babesiosis Diagnosed?

Any healthcare provider will first analyse the symptoms in an infant and then use specific laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis. The diagnosis process includes:

Blood Tests

With this primary diagnostic method, a lab technician examines thick and thin blood films under a microscope. This way, they can detect the Babesia parasites inside the red blood cells of an infant.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Testing

When the microscopic results are unclear, the PCR testing method helps to confirm the diagnosis. In fact, it is also recommended because babesia antibodies can persist in the blood for more than a year even after apparent clearance of infection.

Serological Testing (Antibody Detection)

This method is usually used to detect anti-Babesia antibodies in the patient's blood serum. Although serological testing is not useful in diagnosing an active infection, it can be used in confirming past exposure.

Treatment of Babesiosis

If an infant is diagnosed with babesiosis, they are treated with the following method:

For Mild to Moderate Cases

When the symptoms of this disease are mild to moderate in a newborn, medications such as atovaquone and azithromycin are preferred due to fewer side effects. These medications will be given orally to a baby. Moreover, its doses usually continue for 7 to 10 days.

For Severe Cases

Once babesiosis starts to cause severe symptoms like Jaundice in an infant, they require hospitalisation. In this critical situation, doctors step in with powerful medications like clindamycin and quinine. At the same time, they will closely monitor a baby’s every breath and heartbeat in the ICU to prevent life-threatening complications.

Procedures Used for Babesiosis Treatment

A healthcare provider apparently treats babesiosis with the combination of medications, such as atovaquone and azithromycin. However, if the health condition deteriorates, they might have used the following procedures.

1. Blood Transfusion: If too many red blood cells are distorted, a donor will be needed for a blood transfusion.
2. Exchange Transfusion: When a newborn develops a high number of babesiosis parasites in their blood, this process is used to remove them with the fresh blood of a donor.
3. Medical Ventilation: Once a newborn faces severe breathing issues, doctors use a medical ventilator to help them breathe normally.

By purchasing health insurance from Bajaj General Insurance, you will receive complete coverage to afford treatment expenses of babesiosis. We assure you quality treatment with cashless benefits under our wide range of network hospitals.

Ways to Prevent Babesiosis

There is no vaccination for babesiosis available in the market. This is why parents must take some preventative measures to stop the babesia parasites from entering the bodies of the newborns.

Here are some specific ways to reduce the risk of this disease:

Use Bug Sprays

To prevent thick bites, apply products with DEET on the skin and clothes of your baby. However, check the label instructions of the product or seek advice from a doctor before starting to apply.

Cover Skin

Always cover the skin of your baby as much as possible when you’re in the woods or areas with long grass. Follow this precaution, especially during summer, as these insects are more active during this time. Additionally, you can also purchase tick repellent cloths if you live in a tick-prone area.

Maintain Hygiene

Good hygiene practices are ideal to avoid exposure to ticks, which can bite an infant and spread the disease. So, keep the clothing, blankets, and toys of your baby clean to prevent insects from coming near them.

Clear Your Surroundings

If you have a garden around your house, try to keep its grass shorter than 5 inches. As ticks usually stay in long grass to bite, shorter grass helps you to destroy the origin of this disease.

Consult a Dermatologist for Advice

Every baby has unique skin needs. Therefore, before using any chemical sprays or lotion on a baby, it is always better to take skin advice from a professional dermatologist.

The Bottom Line

Babesiosis can cause severe effects on babies. However, with appropriate measures and awareness, it can be treated easily. So, you should always maintain hygiene, use proper products, and take professional medical advice to keep your baby safe from this disease.

Additionally, you can purchase health insurance for your newborn baby from Bajaj General Insurance to ensure all-around protection of your baby during their growing stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Babesiosis spread from person to person?

Although Babesiosis is not contagious, it still passes from person to person via blood transfusions. Especially in babies, it can be transferred from their mother during birth.

How is babesiosis different from malaria?

Babesiosis and malaria differ mainly in their vectors, geographic spread, and specific parasite morphology. Even though both of these diseases infect red blood cells, babesia is transmitted by ticks in temperate zones, while malaria is spread by anopheles mosquitoes in the tropics.

Can I get cashless treatment for Babesiosis?

Yes, you can get babesiosis treatment at a network hospital under your health insurance plan. But while purchasing health insurance, read the policy terms carefully to ensure it covers vector-borne diseases.

Are diagnostic tests for Babesiosis reimbursed through health insurance?

Yes, medical expenses for babesiosis treatment, including diagnostic tests, can be reimbursed through health insurance. Yet, ensure the treatments are taking place in the network hospitals to get the cashless benefit.

Will Babesiosis be considered a pre-existing condition in a health insurance policy?

No, usually babesiosis is not considered a pre-existing condition in a health insurance policy. However, if a policyholder is treated for this illness within a period of 2 to 4 years, it will be considered a pre-existing condition.

*Standard T&C Apply. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.

The information presented is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice. Any suggestions mentioned should be considered for general use only.

For expert guidance on any health ailment or medical issue or treatment/procedure, please consult a certified medical professional.