Babesiosis is a parasitic infection caused by the Babesia microti parasite that destroys red blood cells. This disease is commonly transmitted through the bite of a black-legged tick also called a deer tick. In this context, we offer our assistance in co-development of vaccines and other therapies against babesiosis.
Introduction to Babesiosis
Babesiosis is a disease that has been reported in the United States as well as in Europe, Canada and Asia which is spread primarily through the Black-legged tick Xa; Ixodes scapularis which transmit Babesia microti. In recent years this disease has become quite common in the northeastern and middle northwestern states including the endemic states such as Vermont, Maine and Rhode Island. Babesiosis hospitalisation levels are about 0.3 to 25.4 cases per 1 million population per year in the US, with the most severe cases mostly found among the immunocompromised. The annual cycles in tick borne infections show a peak in the summer month.
Fig.1 Worldwide distribution of human babesiosis and Ixodes tick vectors. (Krause, P. J., 2019)
Pathogenesis of Babesiosis
Babesiosis can be seen as a type of pathogenetic disease which is determined through the infection of host blood cells through Babesia parasites that lead to the production of anemia. This in turn instigates the immune/autoinflammatory response to rage across the body. In more critical cases for example, it's observed that immunocompromised patients could face multi organ failure. The immune system alongside CD4+ T cells and macrophages are of course instrumental in controlling the disease, although it is critical to note that an overzealous response may worsen the 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 essential diagnostic, and therapy measurement, and even the comprehension elements of sicknesses such as babesiosis. In the case of babesiosis, biomarkers can help in estimating the disease severity, the effectiveness of therapy and complications of the disease.
The presence of IgG and IgM against Babesia microti, determined by the use of Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) or ELISA as serological tests, can be classified as markers of recent or past infection. Significant IgG titers of at least four fold increase from acute sera to convalescent sera is a proof of active or recent infection.
Babesiosis is always associated with hemolytic anemia, as witnessed with lower hemoglobin and hematocrit concentration and higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration. Thrombocytopenia is also a common occurrence.
Therapeutics & Vaccine Development of Babesiosis
Therapeutics Development
Recent trends in developing therapeutics for babesiosis have been to improve appropriate antimicrobial regimens and combination therapy to counter resistance. New compounds and drug repurposing have been developed, particularly for use against Babesia parasites in severe or relapsing forms.
Vaccine Development
The progress made in the development of a vaccine for babesiosis is still very limited, therefore the focus is on finding protective antigens and the nature of an immune response. Today, more and more vaccine candidates are being tested, such as recombinant proteins and attenuated parasites, however, parasitism's tendency to complex the life cycle is still the major barrier.
Our Services
We are enthused to assist our clients with the development of novel babesiosis vaccines and therapies as we offer a spa of services in-house. Our accomplished scientists, immunologist and pharmacologist utilize advanced technologies along with extensive domain knowledge to expedite the timeline of your projects.
The therapy development for babesiosis looks for and identifies new virulence targeting antimicrobial agents including small molecules, peptides, and biologics. Additionally, we do provide services to facilitate assessing, optimizing and further developing the 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.
