Babesiosis, is a potentially deadly tick-borne illness that mimics malaria. It is also a co-infection of Lyme disease and more deadly than Lyme disease can be.
Babesiosis can go undetected in the blood supply. Currently, there is no test for donated blood to pick up the bacteria, thus putting those who are the sickest at a terrible risk!
The disease is caused by the parasite babesia microti, which invades the body through a tick bite and destroys the body's red blood cells. Through a microscrope the red blood cells can appear to be invaded by a malaria parasite.
Don't believe that you cannot get Lyme or Babesia in South Africa. I personally know of two people currently living in Australia who have been diagnosed in Australia with BOTH Lyme disease and Babesia from tick bites severla yearsa ago in South Africa.
Live blood analysis has found some of my red blood cells damaged by 'malaria' parasites. However, since I have never had malaria, I believe that these parasites are infact babesia...
Showing posts with label malaria parasite. Show all posts
Showing posts with label malaria parasite. Show all posts
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Friday, 22 July 2011
Babesia may not show symptoms.... by Jenna
I was diagnosed with Lyme disease in Fberuary 2010. I have not been diagnosed with Babesia, I believe because we don't test for this co-infection of Lyme disease in South Africa. However, recent results of 'life blood tests' have shown 'malaria' parasites in my red blood cells... As I have never had malaria or been in malaria risk areas, I am left wondering if these 'malaria parasites' are in fact Babesia... Click the title for more info.
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Babesia : A Lyme co-infection not recognised in humans in SA
For me this is a particularly intersting article. I have been treated with anti-malarial drugs but never fully understood the reason until I read this article. Recently whilst doing a deox and having live blood analysis, malaria parasites were seen to be in my red blood cells. Over a period of 6 weeks, a parasite or two was seen under darkfield microscope on five of these six occasions. What is even more amazing, this is just in a pin prick of blood... I wouls love to see a significant sample of my blood under microscope... or would I !!
"Babesiosis is an infection caused by a malaria-like parasite, also called a “piroplasm,” that infects red blood cells. Babesia microti is believed to be the most common piroplasm infecting humans, but scientists have identified over twenty piroplasms carried by ticks."
"Symptoms of babesiosis are similar to those of Lyme disease but it more often starts with a high fever and chills. As the infection progresses, patients may develop fatigue, headache, drenching sweats, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. Babesiosis is often so mild it is not noticed but can be life-threatening to people with no spleen, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems. Complications include very low blood pressure, liver problems, severe hemolytic anemia (a breakdown of red blood cells), and kidney failure."
"Babesiosis is an infection caused by a malaria-like parasite, also called a “piroplasm,” that infects red blood cells. Babesia microti is believed to be the most common piroplasm infecting humans, but scientists have identified over twenty piroplasms carried by ticks."
"Symptoms of babesiosis are similar to those of Lyme disease but it more often starts with a high fever and chills. As the infection progresses, patients may develop fatigue, headache, drenching sweats, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. Babesiosis is often so mild it is not noticed but can be life-threatening to people with no spleen, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems. Complications include very low blood pressure, liver problems, severe hemolytic anemia (a breakdown of red blood cells), and kidney failure."
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