babesia research

A quick FYI for those that might be interested.   Last week I was at a scientific conference in the Netherlands dealing with a parasitic infection called Toxoplasma.   For those of you who aren't familiar with it, it belongs to a class of parasites called apicomplexa.  Other apicomplexa include plasmodium (the cause of malaria), crytosporium, and babesia.  Interestingly, there was some 'noise' about babesia as an emerging infectious agent.   I think it is a good sign that the scientific community is becoming more aware of babesia (and other tick-borne microbes).  Hopefully this will lead to more research and better treatment options in the future.  

 

This is really intersting to me...because prior to my mom getting pregnant with me, she lost a child because she became infected with Toxoplasmosis, Toxic Shock Syndrome, Legionnaire's Disease, and a Staph Infection. I was born 12 months after this, and we have always wondered if what's wrong with me could have been passed from her...but I was healthy until I was 20...so I wondered if something was dormant. I have researched Toxoplasmosis but didn't think I really fit for it.