Babesia
A genus of tick-borne protozoan parasites that infests the red blood cells of mammals, including humans. There are many recognized species, and the distribution is world-wide.
Source: National Library of Medicine 2013 MeSH Scope Note and Classification
Images
Figure 1. Peripheral blood smear showing the ring and Maltese cross forms of Babesia.
Figure 1. Peripheral blood smear showing the ring and Maltese cross forms of Babesia.
view larger / more info
Figure 2. Babesia seen on Giemsa staining of the peripheral blood smear (thin smear).
Figure 2. Babesia seen on Giemsa staining of the peripheral blood smear (thin smear).
view larger / more info
Figure 3. Babesia, on Giemsa staining of the peripheral blood smear (thin smear).
Figure 3. Babesia, on Giemsa staining of the peripheral blood smear (thin smear).
view larger / more info
Notes
Figure 1 contributed by Alexander Kratz, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.
Related Cases
2012 IDWeek Case: An elderly woman with a fever.
A man presented in mid-summer with abdominal discomfort and fever.
A peripheral blood smear.
A peripheral blood smear.
A man with fever and chills.
Related Images From Cases
References
  1. National Library of Medicine 2013 MeSH Scope Note and Classification