Case 208. Babesia microti in rat blood (Giemsa)

　 　 　 　
　 The diagnostic hallmark of babesiosis (piroplasmosis) is the cruciform body (tetrad) forming a malthese cross-like structure. This is a zoonotic disorder. 　
　 　 　 　

　

 　 Splenectomized patients are at high risk of babesiosis. The infection is endemic in Connecticut and on the islands off of Massachusetts and New York. B. bovis infection in human has been reported in Europe.