Babesiosis is a disease resulting from microscopic parasites that invade red blood cells. It is primarily transmitted through the bites of blacklegged (deer) ticks. As a prominent company, we are focus on developing vaccines and therapies for babesiosis, providing high-quality services to support your research.
Introduction to Babesiosis
Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused primarily by Babesia microti in the United States, transmitted by the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis). The disease has shown a significant rise in incidence, particularly in the northeastern and upper midwestern states, with endemic regions such as Vermont, Maine, and Rhode Island. Hospitalization rates for babesiosis are around 2.03 per million people annually in the U.S., with higher risks for severe cases in immunocompromised individuals. The incidence of the disease typically peaks in the summer months, corresponding to tick activity.
Fig.1 Worldwide distribution of human babesiosis and Ixodes tick vectors. (Krause, P. J., 2019)
Pathogenesis of Babesiosis
The pathogenesis of babesiosis involves the Babesia parasites infecting and replicating within red blood cells, leading to hemolysis and anemia. This activates the immune system, potentially leading to widespread inflammation throughout the body. Severe cases, especially in immunocompromised individuals, may result in multi-organ failure. The immune system's role, particularly CD4+ T cells and macrophages, is critical in controlling the infection, but an excessive response can contribute to pathology.
Fig.2 The life cycle of the Ixodes scapularis tick and the transmission process of Babesia microti. (Krause, P. J., 2019)
Biomarkers Development of Babesiosis
Biomarkers are critical tools in the diagnosis, monitoring, and understanding of diseases like babesiosis. In babesiosis, biomarkers can provide valuable insights into disease severity, therapeutic efficacy, and potential complications.
The presence of IgM and IgG antibodies against Babesia microti, detected through Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) or ELISA, serves as a biomarker for recent or past infection. A four-fold rise in IgG titers between acute and convalescent sera confirms an active or recent infection.
Hemolytic anemia is a common feature of babesiosis, often marked by decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, along with elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) is also a frequent finding.
Therapeutics & Vaccine Development of Babesiosis
Therapeutics Development
Recent therapeutic development for babesiosis has focused on optimizing existing antimicrobial regimens and exploring new drug combinations to overcome therapy resistance. Researchers are investigating novel compounds and drug repurposing to target Babesia parasites more effectively, especially in severe or relapsing cases.
Vaccine Development
Vaccine development for babesiosis is still in the early stages, with research concentrating on identifying protective antigens and understanding the immune response. Recent studies have explored various vaccine candidates, including recombinant proteins and attenuated parasites, but challenges such as the parasite's complex life cycle remain significant hurdles.
Our Services
At our company, we are proud to offer a comprehensive suite of services to support our clients in the development of innovative babesiosis vaccines and therapies. Our team of seasoned scientists, immunologists, and pharmacologists leverages state-of-the-art technologies and deep domain expertise to accelerate the progress of your projects.
In babesiosis therapy development, our team focuses on discovering and characterizing new antimicrobial agents, such as small molecules, peptides, and biologics, that target virulence factors. We also offer services to support the evaluation, optimization, and advancement of your therapeutic pipeline.
If you are interested in our services, please don't hesitate to contact us.
References
- Krause, P. J. "Human Babesiosis." Int J Parasitol 49.2 (2019): 165-74.
- Al-Nazal, H., et al. "A Vaccine for Human Babesiosis: Prospects and Feasibility." Trends Parasitol 38.10 (2022): 904-18.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
