LymeNet Flash: Lyme vs. Babesia

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Lyme vs. Babesia

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Topic: Lyme vs. Babesia

JustMeInCT
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7237

posted

I just got back from a family Christmas dinner.

I tried, but failed miserably, to describe the differences between Lyme and Babesia.

Could someone help me in this.

Thank you.

Posts: 122 | From Connecticut Shoreline | Registered: Apr 2005 | IP: Logged |

Lymied
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 6704

posted

Hi JustMe,

You are so brave even to say the word 'babesia' in front of people...I always get that look when I bring it up...the 'what the heck' look. I still bring it up though and try to get the word out so others might have a fighting chance not to get it like my family did. So good for you for bringing it up and talking about it.

I am no expert but here are just a few things I tell people that are easy for them to understand and that they will remember.

I explain that Lyme is a bacterial spirochete and shaped like a corkscrew and likes to bore into connective tissue and organs like the brain, heart, and joints. If I think the person can take the syphilis comparison I let them know it is like syphilis...usually gets their attention and gets them thinking [Wink]

Babesia, I tell them, is like malaria in nature. It is a parasite that likes to live in the red blood cells. It causes many of the same symptoms as malaria and tends to be relapsing. It must be treated with an antimalarial.

So that is my quick and dirty explanation. I am sure others will give you more info. here.

Glad you are educating people and increasing awareness. That is the only way things are going to change.

Happy Holidays!

Posts: 655 | From NC, Exit 88 on the Deer SuperHighway | Registered: Dec 2004 | IP: Logged |

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