ABSTRACT
The interaction between Babesia and host cells is complex and has many aspects. Babesia parasites are introduced into the host by the bites of infected ticks and multiply within the erythrocytes of the host. The body of the merozoite of Babesia is covered by a single plasma membrane with interrupted double membranes beneath it. The first step in merozoite invasion is initiated by the attachment to and orientation of the merozoite to the erythrocyte surface. After the merozoite attaches to the erythrocyte membrane, rhoptry discharge seems to be required to initiate invagination of the erythrocyte membrane and formation of a parasitophorous vacuole. The junction between the thickened erythrocyte membrane and the malaria merozoite moves along the entering parasite and maintains its position at the orifice of invagination. Once a merozoite enters the erythrocyte, it transforms to a trophozoite and grows and reproduces by budding; reproduction results in two or four daughter cells.
