Babesia divergens

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Babesia divergens

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Babesia divergens
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Protista
Phylum: Apicomplexa
Class: Aconoidasida
Order: Piroplasmasina
Family: Babesiidae
Genus: Babesia
Species: B. divergens
Binomial name
Babesia divergens

Babesia divergens is an intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite, transmitted by the tick Ixodes ricinus. It is the main agent of bovine babesiosis, or "redwater fever", in Europe. Young cattle are less susceptible. The current emphasis in Europe on sustainable agriculture and extensification is likely to lead to an increase in vector tick populations with increased risk of infection.

It is not only a cause of significant loss to the cattle industry; it can also infect immunocompromised humans, causing medical emergencies characterized by rapid fulmination and parasitemias that may exceed 70%.

References

  • Zintl A, Mulcahy G, Skerrett HE, Taylor SM, Gray JS. (2003) Babesia divergens, a bovine blood parasite of veterinary and zoonotic importance. Clinical Microbiology Reviews 16:4 622-636

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