1. A parasitic protozoan of the genus Babesia that infects red blood cells and is transmitted to humans and animals by tick bites, causing a disease similar to malaria.
Usage: medical/scientific term; usually capitalized when referring to the genus

Examples

• Babesia is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an infected Ixodes tick.
• The patient was diagnosed with babesiosis after testing positive for Babesia parasites.
• Babesia microti is the most common species causing human infection in the United States.
• Symptoms of babesia infection include fever, fatigue, and hemolytic anemia.
• Blood transfusions can occasionally transmit Babesia to recipients.