**Core Concept**
Babesiosis is a **malaria-like parasitic disease** caused by infection with **Babesia**, a genus of protozoal parasites that infect red blood cells. It is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected **tick**. The disease is characterized by **hemolysis**, leading to anemia and other complications.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the characteristics of Babesiosis, including its causative agent, **Babesia microti**, and its residence in **red blood cells (RBCs)**. **Babesia microti** is the most common species to infect humans, and it resides in RBCs, causing **hemolytic anemia**. The treatment of choice is usually a combination of **atovaquone** and **azithromycin**, not chloroquine.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option C:** Babesia resides in RBCs, not WBCs.
**Option D:** Chloroquine is not the treatment of choice for Babesiosis.
**Option E:** Babesiosis is not a filarial parasite, it is a protozoal infection.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Babesiosis is often associated with **tick bites**, and its symptoms can be similar to those of malaria, including **fever**, **chills**, and **anemia**. It is essential to consider Babesiosis in the differential diagnosis of patients with these symptoms, especially those with a history of tick exposure.
**Correct Answer:** D. b and c are correct, however "b" is the only choice that is true about Babesiosis and the other options have incorrect information, the only correct statement is "b" - **Correct Answer: b. Resides in RBC**
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