Babesia odocoilei Abounds in Canada: Anaplasma phagocytophilumis Scarce

Abstract

Multiple healthcare providers contend that anaplasmosis is the second most prevalent tick-borne zoonotic disease across Canada. However, in reality, human babesiosis caused by B. odocoilei is in second place. Patients are often bitten by Ixodes ticks, but can obtain this zoonosis via blood transfusion, organ transplantation or maternal-fetal transmission. Babesia odocoilei, a sequestering Babesia sp. has innate survival strategies that occlude capillaries and venules throughout the body. Fibrin-bonded entanglements form self-sustaining pockets, and block these tiny vessels. Immune systems become stuck in overdrive, and inflammation is unending. Chronic human babesiosis develops in 6 months as a result of persistent infection. Symptoms persist, and they may include crushing fatigue, brain fog, and cognitive impairment. Since fibrin-bonded entanglements occlude capillaries and venules, these compacted vessels are hard to penetrate and, consequently, this tick-borne zoonotic disease is recalcitrant to treat.