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Abstract: Most cases of human babesiosis are caused either by Babesia divergens in Europe or Babesia microti in America. B. microti, once regarded as a single species, occurs as a world-wide species complex and although both phenotypic and genotypic features lend support to suggestions that zoonotic B. microti may occur in Europe, convincing medical evidence is lacking. Several B. divergens-like parasites have emerged in the last few years, but 18S rRNA gene analysis suggests that B. divergens ‘sensu stricto’ is restricted to European (and North African) cattle. Some of the B. divergens-like parasites only differ from the bovine type by a few bases, and it remains to be determined whether this is sufficient to accord them separate species status. Comparative biology should support genetic data in taxonomic studies of both B. divergens and B. microti. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Zoonotic babesiosis has received increased attention recently, due mainly to the interest in tickborne zoonotic diseases generated by the emergence of Lyme borreliosis and to increased awareness of diagnostic and treatment difficulties associated with co-infection cases. The vast majority of European cases have been caused by Babesia divergeas in splenectomised patients, and although rare, this disease is very dangerous, requiring aggressive treatment. The use of atovaquone, a recently developed anti-protozoan agent for human treatment, may be considered in future cases. Most human babesiosis caused by B. microti have occurred in the north-eastern states of the USA and can affect spleen-intact as well as asplenic patients. The majority of infections are subclinical or follow a mild chronic course, but dangerous acute infections can occur in immunocompromised patients. The role of B. microti in apparently unresponsive cases of Lyme borreliosis and treatment of co-infections require further investigation. The zoonotic potential of B. microti in Europe is still unresolved, but the vector competence of Ixodes ricinus for at least some European (and American) strains has been demonstrated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article reports on the a proliferation of arrangements in which a party in a position to make referrals expresses a preference for another party who is in a position to receive referrals. It discusses the provisions of unearned fees the parties that make referrals under the U.S. Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). It discusses how the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) Regulation X implements RESPA.