Babesiosis is actually a parasitic organism. Infected blood can be mistaken for malaria. Patients may suffer from an enlarged spleen, said Philip Paparone, an infectious disease physician and Lyme expert in Atlantic County. Babesiosis patients may also be anemic, and can experience severe night sweats. Anti-parasitic drugs, such as quinine, are used to treat the disease.
Debate exists over whether the disease carries long-term symptoms, such as muscle aches and fatigue.
Some doctors say blood smears examined under a microscope do not always detect babesiosis, and so more sophisticated tests are necessary. The disease can also be transmitted through blood transfusions. Ehrlichiosis patients may have a low white blood cell count and low platelet count, as well as elevated liver enzymes. Some patients may get better on their own. Antibiotics that work for Lyme do not work against ehrlichiosis.