Babesia Testing

Indirect Immunofluorescent Assay (IFA) tests for IgG and IgM antibodies produced by the body against Babesia. Diagnosis relies on a four fold rise in antibody titer over several weeks. The first sample should be taken as early in the disease process as possible and the second sample taken 2-4 weeks later. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). PCR detects microbial DNA in a blood sample. IGeneX uses an amplified version of PCR and FISH together for improved accuracy of testing for B. microti and B. ducani.

Not all strains will be picked up so you need to do a Babesia Panel. The type of stain most doctors were taught to use for Babesia will only pick up Babesia if the level of parasitemia is greater than 5% in the blood.

Babesia Panel

B. microti, duncani, & B. divergens (Europe)
Smear, IFA (Immuno -fluorescence assay, designed to detect human IgM and IgG antibodies to Babesia antigens in human serum)
PCR (multiple sets)
FISH (fluorescent in-situ hybridization to detect ribosomal RNA of Babesia directly in a blood smear)
? other species
Rare sx (except B. divergens):
- Hemolytic anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Elevated BUN/Creat (kidney)

Problems with Babesia Testing and Treatment

The genus comprises over 100 species of tick-transmitted protozoal pathogens known as prioplasms. Most zoonotic cases are due to B. microti and B. divergens. (B. caballi, B. equi, B. canis, Cytauxzoon felis). Due to the diversiy of protozoal pathogens, patients may present with malarial type symptoms, but the standard antibody testing for one species may be falsely negative due to the diversity of babesial parasites.
Babesia parasites are now in the blood supply (transfusion risk) and can persist after a short term and long term treatment in co-infected Lyme patients.