Babesiosis Occurrence among the Elderly in the United States, as Recorded in Large Medicare Databases during 2006-2013.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Human babesiosis, caused by intraerythrocytic protozoan parasites, can be an asymptomatic or mild-to-severe disease that may be fatal. The study objective was to assess babesiosis occurrence among the U.S. elderly Medicare beneficiaries, ages 65 and older, during 2006-2013.

Methods

Our retrospective claims-based study utilized large Medicare administrative databases. Babesiosis occurrence was ascertained by recorded ICD-9-CM diagnosis code. The study assessed babesiosis occurrence rates (per 100,000 elderly Medicare beneficiaries) overall and by year, age, gender, race, state of residence, and diagnosis months.

Results

A total of 10,305 elderly Medicare beneficiaries had a recorded babesiosis diagnosis during the eight-year study period, for an overall rate

SUBMITTER: Menis M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4607449 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature