Babesia is a genus of protozoan parasites of the blood that causes a hemolytic disease known as babesiosis. Over 100 species of Babesia have been identified, but only a few have been documented to be pathogenic in humans.
In the United States, Babesia microti is the most common strain associated with humans. Other species infect cattle, livestock, and occasionally domestic animals. People who contract babesiosis suffer from malaria-like symptoms. As a result, malaria is a common misdiagnosis for the disease.
Read more about Babesia: Classification, Genomics, History, Clinical Presentation, Transmission, Morphology, Life Cycle, Epidemiology, Prevention, Useful Links