Sudden Behavioral Changes in Children? Could It Be Babesia or Bartonella
Can tick-borne infections cause sudden psychiatric symptoms in children?
In some cases, yes.
Children may develop anxiety, rage, speech regression, or even suicidal thoughts—symptoms that are often misdiagnosed as primary psychiatric disorders.
Emerging research suggests that Babesia and Bartonella co-infections may play a role in these presentations.
For a broader overview of symptom patterns, see Lyme disease symptoms.
What the Research Found
Advanced testing using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) has revealed that Babesia and Bartonella co-infection may be more common than previously recognized.
In one study, 6 of 7 patients infected with Babesia odocoilei were also co-infected with one or more Bartonella species.
These patients experienced symptoms ranging from fatigue and memory loss to severe neuropsychiatric disturbances.
This overlap may help explain why some patients remain ill despite treatment for a single infection.
Case: A 4-Year-Old Boy With Sudden Behavioral Decline
A previously healthy 4-year-old boy developed sudden symptoms consistent with Pediatric Acute Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS).
- Rapid speech regression
- Severe anxiety
- Sleep disturbance
- Personality changes
- Memory impairment
- Rage and aggression
Over the next 5½ years, he was evaluated by more than 12 specialists.
He was treated with psychiatric medications, but his condition continued to deteriorate.
At one point, he became nearly non-verbal and severely impaired.
Testing eventually revealed infection with both Babesia odocoilei and Bartonella henselae.
Case: Severe Psychiatric Symptoms in a 9-Year-Old Girl
A 9-year-old girl developed anxiety, depression, headaches, nightmares, and hallucinations.
She was diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).
- Suicidal thoughts
- Homicidal thoughts
- Tachycardia
- Recurrent infections
Testing later confirmed infection with multiple organisms, including Babesia and Bartonella.
This case highlights how infection-related symptoms may be misinterpreted as psychiatric illness.
Case: A Toddler With Persistent Symptoms
A 2½-year-old girl developed a bull’s-eye rash after playing outdoors.
- Night sweats
- Knee pain
- Nightmares
- Sleep disturbances
Despite antibiotic treatment, symptoms persisted for years.
Testing revealed co-infection with Babesia and Bartonella species.
Why These Cases Are Often Missed
These infections are frequently overlooked because symptoms may be attributed to psychiatric or developmental conditions.
- Behavioral changes may be labeled as psychological
- Tick exposure may not be recognized
- Standard testing may miss certain Babesia species
- Co-infections complicate diagnosis
This can lead to years of delayed diagnosis and treatment.
See more on Lyme disease misdiagnosis.
What This Research Means
Babesia and Bartonella co-infection may be more common than previously recognized—and may contribute to complex, multi-system illness.
In children with sudden or severe neuropsychiatric symptoms, infectious causes should be considered—especially when symptoms do not follow a typical pattern.
Clinical Takeaway
Babesia and Bartonella co-infections can contribute to severe neuropsychiatric symptoms in children—and may go unrecognized for years.
Recognizing this pattern is critical, particularly when symptoms do not respond to standard psychiatric treatment.
Dr. Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH
Lyme disease clinician with over 30 years of experience and past president of ILADS.
Symptoms • Testing • Coinfections • Recovery • Pediatric • Prevention
I am suffering from what is called PTLDS. My left knee cartilage has designigrated to the point of needing a knee replacement. My right eye is quite irritated and have had frequent eye appointments for uveitis, irritation, etc…I had been dx with having ehrlichiosis and treated, Now what can been done for the residual issues? I am afraid of further deteriation.
I have patients who degenerative joint disease and a persistent tick borne infection no responding to treatment for Ehrlichia. I have had to have them work with an orthopedist and be retreated for Lyme. The knee is still challenging
Hello, dr. Cameron,
I would like to ask do you know if these children improved with treatment? I have two children 7 and 10 years old with Babesia and Lyme probably for a long time, withsome neuro-psychiatric symptoms, starting now treatment Malarone+Azithromycine now. Soon we will start treating also the Lyme. What do you think in your experience do children can recover with prolonged treatment? Do they have the chance to have normal life?
Thank you!
I have seen children improve, sometimes significantly. Recovery is often gradual, but many return to school, activities, and a full life over time.