A recent study revealed that cases of babesiosis, a tick-borne parasitic disease, are on the rise throughout the United States. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center researchers found that between 2015 and 2022, the number of cases of babesiosis There was an average increase of 9 percent annually. The study, published in the journal Open Forum Infectious Diseases, also highlights a significant overlap between babesiosis and other tick-borne diseases, with 42 percent of people suffering from babesiosis also suffering from infections such as Lyme disease.

Lead researcher Dr. Paddy Ssentongo, an infectious disease expert, stressed the importance of physicians being alert to co-infections in patients with babesiosis. “Ticks can carry many pathogens, including those that cause Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis,” he said. This means that individuals with babesiosis may also be at risk for other tick-borne diseases, although the study found that having multiple infections did not increase the risk of death.

According to researchers, babesiosis, often called “American malaria,” affects a person’s red blood cells like malaria. The disease is spread primarily by the bite of the black-legged tick and is most prevalent in the Northeastern and Midwestern states. While many infected individuals experience flu-like symptoms, babesiosis can be life-threatening for older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and individuals without a spleen.

The study, which analyzed health data from more than 250 million Americans, identified more than 3,500 babesiosis cases during the study period. Cases peaked during the summer months, especially in the northeastern states. Among people infected with babesiosis, 41 percent were also diagnosed with Lyme disease, demonstrating the need for healthcare providers to consider multiple tick-borne infections when treating patients.

Interestingly, despite co-infection, there was no increased mortality in patients with multiple tick-borne diseases. Dr. Ssentongo suggested that the presence of more than one infection may boost the immune response, helping the body fight diseases more effectively. They also reported that doxycycline, an antibiotic commonly used to treat Lyme disease, may also be effective against the Babesia parasite, which may explain the positive results seen in patients treated with this approach.

According to Dr. Ssentongo, the increasing cases of babesiosis are probably influenced by climate change. Warm weather and increased rainfall create favorable conditions for ticks and their animal hosts such as deer to thrive. As a result, the range and activity of ticks is expanding, increasing the risk of babesiosis in previously unaffected areas.

Dr. Ssentongo advises people living in areas where babesiosis is common to take precautions during the summer months, especially in the Northeast and Midwest. Emphasizing the importance of tick-bite prevention to reduce the risk of infection, he recommended, “Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and light-colored clothing, use tick repellent, and avoid tick bites after spending time outdoors.” Please check.”

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