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Tick-borne encephalitis in a 3-month-old child
H M Grubbauer1, H J Dornbusch, D Spork
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Graz, Austria.
European Journal of Pediatrics
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) can affect infants under 12 months, challenging previous assumptions. This case highlights the need for considering TBE prevention in very young children in endemic areas.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection transmitted by ticks, primarily affecting the central nervous system.
- Historically, TBE has not been documented in infants under 12 months of age.
Observation:
- A 3.5-month-old infant presented with serologically confirmed tick-borne encephalitis.
- The infant had a history of a tick bite 3.5 weeks prior to symptom onset.
- The family resides in a TBE endemic region, and the infant exhibited no prodromal symptoms, with a monophasic disease course.
Findings:
- This case demonstrates that tick-borne encephalitis can occur in infants younger than 12 months.
- The clinical presentation in this infant was acute and monophasic, without preceding prodromal signs.
Implications:
- Prophylactic treatment with hyperimmunoglobulin post-tick bite should be considered for infants in endemic areas.
- While active immunization is recommended after one year of age, this case suggests a need for cautious evaluation of TBE risk in younger infants.