IGeneX, Inc.,

Babesiosis is caused by an intraerythrocytic parasite, Babesia microti, which is similar in effect to Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of Malaria.36,43 Recently, WA1, another species of Babesia, has been described as a possible human pathogen. The intermediate host for B. microti and WA1 is the same tick that transmits B. burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. Symptoms of Babesiosis are similar to those of Lyme disease: fatigue, malaise, myalgia, arthralgia, chills, and fever. The disease is particularly life threatening in splenectomized patients. There are several diagnostic tests for Babesiosis.