ABSTRACT
Babesia are protozoal parasites of the family Babesiidae, order Piroplasmida, within the phylum Apicomplexa. Parasites of the Babesiidae family have one sexual stage within the ixodid tick vectors and an asexual dividing stage in the erythrocytes of vertebrates. Babesiosis is a wellrecognized parasitic disease of veterinary importance in cattle, horses and dogs, but has gained increased attention as an emerging zoonotic disease. The natural acquisition of human infection with Babesia species, in particular B. microti, most often results from interaction with established zoonotic cycles.
