Babesiosis: malaria mimic

Am J Med Technol. 1978 Jun;44(6):572-4.

Abstract

Human infection with blood parasites of the genus Babesia can result in a hemolytic disease very similar to malaria. Laboratory diagnosis of babesiosis is dependent upon the detection and identification of the parasite in blood films. The distinguishing criteria are: lack of pigment in infected red blood cells; no circulating schizonts or gametocytes; "atypical" malarialike organisms; tetrad groups, rods, or exclamation-mark forms; and persisting parasitemia after treatment for malaria.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Babesia
  • Babesiosis / blood
  • Babesiosis / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Malaria / diagnosis*