Management strategies for human babesiosis

Authors

Robert P. Smith, Division of Infectious Diseases, Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine; Tufts University School of Medicine , Boston, MA, USA.
Klaus-Peter Hunfeld, Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology & Infection Control, Northwest Medical Centre, Medical Faculty, Goethe University , Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
Peter J. Krause, Yale School of Public Health and Yale School of Medicine , New Haven, CT, USA.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2020

Journal Title

Expert review of anti-infective therapy

MeSH Headings

Animals; Antiprotozoal Agents (administration & dosage); Babesiosis (drug therapy, epidemiology, transmission); Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Severity of Illness Index; Tick-Borne Diseases (drug therapy, epidemiology, transmission)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Human babesiosis is reported throughout the world and is endemic in the northeastern and northern Midwestern United States and northeastern China. Transmission is primarily through hard bodied ticks. Most cases of severe disease occur in immunocompromised individuals and may result in prolonged relapsing disease or death. AREAS COVERED: We provide a summary of evidence supporting current treatment recommendations for immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals experiencing babesiosis. EXPERT OPINION: Most cases of human babesiosis are successfully treated with atovaquone and azithromycin or clindamycin and quinine. Severe disease may require prolonged treatment.

First Page

625

Last Page

636

Recommended Citation

Smith RP, Hunfeld KP, Krause PJ. Management strategies for human babesiosis. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2020;18(7):625-636. doi:10.1080/14787210.2020.1752193