Neurological manifestations of human babesiosis

Handb Clin Neurol. 2013:114:199-203. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-53490-3.00014-5.

Abstract

Babesiosis is a worldwide emerging infectious disease caused by intraerythrocytic protozoa that are transmitted by Ixodid ticks, or less commonly through blood transfusion or transplacentally. Although headache and lethargy are common symptoms, babesiosis is uncommonly associated with specific neurological dysfunction in humans. Decreased level of consciousness or coma are rare complications that are associated with severe and often fatal disease but the pathogenesis is unclear.

Keywords: Babesia microti; Babesiosis; coma; neurological manifestations; parasitic infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Babesia / pathogenicity*
  • Babesia / ultrastructure
  • Babesiosis / complications*
  • Babesiosis / diagnosis
  • Babesiosis / therapy
  • Humans
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Nervous System Diseases / parasitology*
  • Nervous System Diseases / therapy