  Babesia microti causes emergency human babesiosis. However, little is known
about the alterations in B. microti invaded red blood cells (Bm-RBCs) at the
individual cell level. Through quantitative phase imaging techniques based on
laser interferometry, we present the simultaneous measurements of structural,
chemical, and mechanical modifications in individual mouse Bm-RBCs. 3-D
refractive index maps of individual RBCs and in situ parasite vacuoles are
imaged, from which total contents and concentration of dry mass are also
precisely quantified. In addition, we examine the dynamic membrane fluctuation
of Bm-RBCs, which provide information on cell membrane deformability.
