Babesia microti, Babesia duncani (WA1), Babesia odocoilei and Babesia sp. (MO1) are obligate intra-erythrocytic protozoans transmitted by tick vectors, causing flu-like symptoms as well as a malaria-like illness.  All three agents can be transmitted by blood donor units from asymptomatic donors, but Babesia microti has caused the most clinical problems in this area.

As the demand for Babesia sp. (MO1) has been underwhelming (!!), we suggest IFA slides made with Babesia divergens, which is highly crossreactive and immediately available in our Inventory. New in this field is Babesia odocoilei, only very recently found in human patients in basically the same regions as B. microti is found.

All of these antigens, including Babesia microti  IFA slide antigen, are propagated in vitro using human type O erythrocytes to produce the most sensitive and specific test possible.

Special note on the use of Babesia duncani (WA1) IFA: Our manuscript is in preparation for the use of these B. duncani IFA slides for detection of recent tick bites in humans and dogs. Screening sera at 1:64 detects recent tick bites in both IgG and IgM class antibody, although the tick may not have been infected. Strong reactivity related to actual B.duncani infection is rare, with very few reported cases annually on the west coast since this species was identified in 1991. Information available by phone or email prior to publication.

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