Parasitological factors impeding transmission of the babesiosis pathogen Babesia microti from the tick Ixodes persulcatus to humans

Based on analysis of original and literature data, it is concluded that effective transmission of B. microti by the tick I. persulcatus is prevented by the following main permanent eco-parasitological factors: lack of pronounced anthropophily in the tick nymphs; low rates of spontaneous invasion of unfed adults; a short duration of the parasitic phase on humans which is not sufficient for completion of sporogony. Therefore, in spite of the possibility of sporadic cases of babesiosis, it can be stated that B. microti infection does not and will not play a significant role in infectious pathology within the vast territory where the taiga tick is the only potential source of this infection.