Journal of clinical microbiology
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J. Clin. Microbiol. · Oct 2017
ReviewBabesia microti: from Mice to Ticks to an Increasing Number of Highly Susceptible Humans.
Babesia microti, a zoonotic intraerythrocytic parasite, is the primary etiological agent of human babesiosis in the United States. Human infections range from subclinical illness to severe disease resulting in death, with symptoms being related to host immune status. ⋯ Therefore, research focused on eradicating disease and optimizing clinical management is essential. Here we review this remarkable organism, with emphasis on the clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of human disease.