Definition:

Babesiosis is a malaria-like infection of red blood cells caused by the protozoan parasite Babesia species. It is a well-recognized veterinary disease in cattle, horses and dogs but recently has gained attention as an emerging zoonotic disease problem. Babesia are transmitted by ixodid ticks and infection of the host leads to anemia, hyperbilirubinuria, hemoglobinuria, and possibly organ failure.