Caused by parasite babesia
Transmitted by ixodes tick
Common in Northeastern United States
The parasite enters the blood after a tick bite and then enters RBC and causes hemolysis.
Symptoms:
Vary from a symptomatic - hemolysis
Fever
Headache
Jaundice
Hemoglobinuria
Renal failure
In severe cases thrombocytopenia( purpuric rash)
Diagnosed using giemsa stain thick and thin smear
Maltese cross on smear
other lab findings
Anemia
Thrombocytopenia
Increased ESR
Abnormal LFT, decrease complement
Atypical lymphcytosis
Treatment:
First line: Atovaquone-Azithromycin
Quinine-Clindamycin
