What causes Babesiosis?

Prepare for the Certificate in Public Health Inspection exam. Utilize our flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Ensure your success with our comprehensive resources!

Multiple Choice

What causes Babesiosis?

Babesiosis is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia, transmitted to humans by Ixodes ticks (the same ticks that spread Lyme disease). These parasites infect red blood cells, which can cause hemolysis and fever that range from mild to severe, especially in people without a spleen or with weakened immune systems. Diagnosis is often made by identifying parasites in a blood smear (sometimes showing the characteristic Maltese cross), with PCR or serology as supportive tests. Treatment typically includes atovaquone with azithromycin for many cases, while severe infections may require clindamycin with quinine. The other listed pathogens are different organisms that cause distinct diseases: Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes anaplasmosis; Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease; Rickettsia rickettsii causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They are transmitted by ticks as well, but they are not Babesia parasites.

Babesiosis is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia, transmitted to humans by Ixodes ticks (the same ticks that spread Lyme disease). These parasites infect red blood cells, which can cause hemolysis and fever that range from mild to severe, especially in people without a spleen or with weakened immune systems. Diagnosis is often made by identifying parasites in a blood smear (sometimes showing the characteristic Maltese cross), with PCR or serology as supportive tests. Treatment typically includes atovaquone with azithromycin for many cases, while severe infections may require clindamycin with quinine.

The other listed pathogens are different organisms that cause distinct diseases: Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes anaplasmosis; Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease; Rickettsia rickettsii causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They are transmitted by ticks as well, but they are not Babesia parasites.

More practice questions