New hope for chronic babesiosis as malaria drug tafenoquine heads to trial
Lyme disease gets most of the spotlight when we talk about chronic tick-borne illness—but it’s not the only infection that can linger.
Babesia, a malaria-like parasite that infects red blood cells, can also persist in the body, especially in people with co-infections or immune dysregulation. Yet chronic babesiosis remains under-recognized and under-researched.
That’s changing thanks to voices like Dr. Geoff Dow, CEO of 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals and former malaria drug developer at Walter Reed.
In this week’s Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Dr. Dow shares why tafenoquine (Arakoda)—an FDA-approved malaria drug—is being studied for chronic babesiosis, and previews a new Mount Sinai clinical trial focused on fatigue and molecular diagnostics.
Have you been dealing with symptoms like air hunger, anemia, or crushing fatigue? Have you been tested for Babesia, or do you suspect you may have it? If so, this episode is for you. It’s time we start talking about chronic babesiosis with the same urgency we bring to chronic Lyme.
Dorothy Leland
Dorothy Leland is a longtime advocate and researcher focused on Lyme disease education, policy awareness, and patient support. She has contributed to numerous publications and works closely with medical professionals and organizations to improve understanding and treatment of tick-borne diseases.
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