Babesia divergens

Babesia divergens
Scientific classification
(unranked): SAR
(unranked): Alveolata
Phylum: Apicomplexa
Class: Aconoidasida
Order: Piroplasmasina
Family: Babesiidae
Genus: Babesia
Species: B. divergens
Binomial name
Babesia divergens

Babesia divergens is an intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite, transmitted by the tick Ixodes ricinus. This is a type of species that falls under the overarching genus Babesia. It is the main agent of bovine babesiosis, or "redwater fever", in Europe. Young cattle are less susceptible. The current emphasis in Europe on sustainable agriculture and extensification is likely to lead to an increase in vector tick populations with increased risk of infection.[1]

Human infections are rare.[2] The most severe, life-threatening infections were described in asplenic patients.[2] Infections in immunocompetent patients were also observed, and described as a "serious influenza-like" syndrome that requires medical treatment.[3]

References

  1. Zintl, A; Mulcahy, G; Skerrett, HE; Taylor, SM; Gray, JS (2003). "Babesia divergens, a Bovine Blood Parasite of Veterinary and Zoonotic Importance". Clinical Microbiology Reviews 16 (4): 622–36. doi:10.1128/CMR.16.4.622-636.2003. PMC 207107. PMID 14557289.
  2. 1 2 Uguen, C; Girard, L; Brasseur, P; Leblay, R (1997). "La babésiose humaine en 1997" [Human Babesiosis in 1997]. La Revue de Médecine Interne (in French) 18 (12): 945–51. doi:10.1016/S0248-8663(97)80114-2. PMID 9499998.
  3. Martinot, M; Zadeh, MM; Hansmann, Y; Grawey, I; Christmann, D; Aguillon, S; Jouglin, M; Chauvin, A; de Briel, D (2011). "Babesiosis in Immunocompetent Patients, Europe". Emerging Infectious Diseases 17 (1): 114–6. doi:10.3201/eid1701.100737. PMC 3204631. PMID 21192869.

Further reading


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