FRCPath Haematology Part 2: Morphology Babeiosis

Babeiosis

Babesiosis is an infectious disease caused by protozoa of the genus Babesia. It is transmitted via the tick vector. It is endemic to the Northeast and upper Midwest of North America.  Babesia species may be confused morphologically with Plasmodium falciparum as the ring forms may look similar.

Blood Film Features:

  • Can be intra or extra-cellular
  • Intracellular forms: Intra-RBC ring forms (similar to plasmodium)
  • Maltese cross: presence of merozoites arranged in tetrads 

Other Resources

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