Babesia is an intracellular parasite, meaning it burrows into the red blood cells and hides from the immune system there. It replicates inside and eventually causes the RBC to burst open, causing autoimmune hemolytic anemia, where RBC count drops because they are being destroyed faster than they can be produced. Air hunger is a common symptom of Babesiosis because the RBC are supposed to carry oxygen to all of the cells of the body.
The first human case was discovered in the US in 1969 and it has now been identified in Europe and Asia as well. Just like the malaria parasite comes from mosquitos, Babesia is transmitted to humans via ticks. This parasite can be transferred congenitally from mother to fetus as well as through blood transfusion.
One of the Most Common Co-Infections of Lyme
Babesia is one of the most common co-infections when it comes to Lyme disease. It is reported that nearly 40% of people infected with Borrelia are also infected with Babesia, potentially causing big problems for people who already have overwhelmed immune systems, and requiring a longer time to get better than just Lyme alone.
Symptoms You May Experience:
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Body aches
More specific to Babesia, a person may be diagnosed with anemia (due to the RBCs breaking down too quickly), recurrent pink eye (conjunctivitis), jaundice, enlarged liver or spleen, low blood pressure, and potentially heart problems in later stages. Other telltale signs of Babesiosis include dark urine, mood swings, and especially "air hunger" or feeling like you cannot get enough oxygen no matter how you breathe. Babesiosis leads to chronic fatigue due to oxygen deprivation of all the body cells.
The symptoms of a Babesia infection can be similar to a Bartonella infection. If you are trying to address one pathogen and the treatment may not work, that is a sign that you may need to address the other!
Testing for Babesia
Traditional lab tests for Babesia include antibody testing as well as blood smear testing. I use DNA Connexions or Vibrant Labs in my clinic, as they use PCR DNA testing to look for the presence of Babesia.
Working With Babesia
If Babesia is detected, conventional treatment is anti-parasitic pharmaceuticals like azithromycin, atovaquone, and/or clindamycin.
In my clinical experience, the best approach to addressing Babesia is a holistic program that includes strengthening the immune system and opening the drainage and detox pathways, in addition to adding herbal killers to specifically target the Babesia.
Anti-parasitic herbal blends like IS-BAB by CellCore are effective natural means of killing Babesia infections. Herbs that can be helpful for boosting immune system function include adaptogenic mushrooms like cordyceps and reishi, rhodiola, and eleuthero. Herbs that are known to reduce the Babesia parasitic load include artemisia, berberine from goldenseal or Oregon grape root, cryptolepis, cat's claw, noni morinda, neem, and yarrow.