Living with Babesiosis
An infection of the red blood cells by parasites, usually spread by ticks.
Understanding Babesiosis
Many people who are infected have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include flu-like signs such as fever, chills, headache, body aches, nausea, and tiredness. In severe cases it can be linked to hemolytic anemia, which is when red blood cells break down faster than the body can replace them.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person, and many people have none. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Fever
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Headache
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Excessive sweating
- Hemolytic anemia
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Project Lyme may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Project Lyme
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Project Lyme
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by Babesia parasites, which are mainly spread by infected ticks. GARD does not list a gene or inheritance pattern.
Also known as: babesia caused disease or disorder; babesia disease or disorder; babesia infectious disease; babesiasis; infection by babesia; piroplasmosis
Patient organizations
- Project LymeBabesiosis · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Babesiosis.
Explore research for Babesiosis
Explore actively recruiting Babesiosis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Babesiosis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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