Which of the following is carrying agent for the disease with given characteristic on polarized microscopy
High-Yield Explanation
* Babesiosis infects the RBCs and resides inside the RBCs ( intraerythrocytic). * Intraerythrocytic infection of Babesiosis is characterised by maltese cross. * Maltese cross is a characteristic arrangement of parasites within the erythrocytes --->Parasites within erythrocytes are arranged such that pointed ends of four parasites come in contact thereby giving a tetrad configuration resembling a maltese cross. * Tetrad forms or &;Maltese cross&; appearance is considered pathognomic of Babesiosis. * Babesiosis can easily be confused with P. falciparum malaria.Following two features distinguish Babesiosis from malaria 1. Presence of maltese cross in Babesiosis ( absent in malaria) 2. Absence of pigment Hemozoin in Babesiosis ( present in malaria) REF : HARRISONS 21ST ED