"Combo Therapy Achieves Breakthrough in Babesiosis Elimination in Mice"

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have discovered a new combination therapy that effectively eliminates drug-resistant babesiosis in mice, potentially offering immunity against future infections. The therapy combines the antimalarial drug tafenoquine with atovaquone, an anti-fungal/anti-parasite drug. This treatment cleared infections in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised mouse models and led to the development of protective immunity against the Babesia parasites. The findings could also contribute to the development of a babesiosis vaccine and offer insights into treatments for human malaria.