Skip to main content

Babesiosis, Pediatric

Frances M. Nadel, MD, MSCE Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Human babesiosis is a tick-borne, malaria-like illness characterized by fever, malaise, and hemolytic anemia.

  • Most infected individuals are asymptomatic.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

  • Human babesiosis i...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Few patients recall a tick bite.

  • Patients live in or have recently traveled to an endemic region.

  • Initial symptoms begin 1 to 4 weeks after the tick bite and are vague. They may include...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Those with mild clinical disease usually recover without treatment. 

MEDICATION

  • For asymptomatic patients who are otherwise healthy, treatment is only recommended if their babe...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

When to expect improvement: 
  • Some improvement of symptoms should be noted within 24 to 48 hours of onset of therapy.

  • Those who are only mildly affected usually have...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • American Academy of Pediatrics. Babesiosis. In: Kimberlin DW, Brady MT, Jackson MA, et al, eds. Red Book: 2015 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 30th ed. Elk Grove Vi...

CODES

ICD9

088.82 Babesiosis 

ICD10

B60.0 Babesiosis 

SNOMED

  • 21061004 Babesiosis (disorder)

  • 73908004 Infection by Babesia microti (disorder)

  • 51613008 Infection by Babesia divergens (disorder)

FAQ

  • Q: How long does a tick have to be attached for infection to occur?

  • A: In general, successful transmission requires at least 24 hours of attachment.

  • Q: How should a tick be removed?

  • A: The tick shoul...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

 
×