Vestibular Function Measured Using the Video Head Impulse Test in Congenital Nystagmus and Vertigo: A Case Report

This chapter discusses the Interaction Between the Immune System and Babesia. Babesiosis is a tick-borne illness caused by the protozoa of the genus Babesia. Babesiosis is not easy to diagnose, and a high index of suspicion is required, especially in endemic regions. Treatment is recommended for patients regardless of symptoms to prevent the progression and transmission of the disease. The diagnosis is confirmed by the identification of babesia organisms on Giemsa stained blood smears, detection of babesia DNA by PCR, or a four-fold rise in antibody titers.

The pathogenesis of babesiosis is related to the host immune system. It is proposed that the manifestations of the disease are related to the inflammatory response and ischemia related to vascular damage. In addition, it is proposed that autoimmunity might also play a role in this pathological process.