Babesia Infection
Babesia Infection
Why In News:
The Gujarat Forest Department has intensified emergency disease-control and containment measures following the tragic deaths of eight Asiatic lion cubs from suspected Babesia infection in the Gir landscape.
Prelims Ready Notes:
Babesia is a vector-borne protozoal / parasitic disease that infects the blood cells of animals.
The parasite is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected ticks.
Ticks infect the red blood cells (RBCs) of animals and humans.
Babesiosis is not contagious from person to person.
Rarely, Babesia is transmitted from a pregnant woman to the foetus.
The most recommended treatment is a combination therapy of two drugs, atovaquone (antiparasitic) and azithromycin (antibiotic).