Do Babesia microti Hosts Share a Blood Group System Gene Ortholog, Which Could Generate an Erythrocyte Antigen That Is Essential for Parasite Invasion?

ABSTRACT: The United States of America (US) has the highest annual number of human babesiosis cases caused by Babesia microti (Bm). Babesia, like malaria-causing Plasmodium, are protozoan parasites that live within red blood cells (RBCs). Both infectious diseases can be associated with hemolysis and organ damage, which can be fatal. Since babesiosis was made a nationally notifiable condition by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in January 2011, human cases have increased, and drug-resistant strains have been identified. Both the Bm ligand(s) and RBC receptor(s) needed for invasion are unknown, partly because of the difficulty of developing a continuous in vitro culture system. Invasion pathways are relevant for therapies (e.g., RBC exchange) and

SUBMITTER: Jajosky RP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11436039 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature