Tick-borne encephalitis in a 17-day-old newborn resulting in severe neurologic impairment
Neil Jones1, Wolfgang Sperl, Johannes Koch
1Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Private Medical University, Salzburg General Hospital, Salzburg, Austria. N.Jones@salk.at
Insights
Severe neurologic impairment from infant tick-borne encephalitis is possible, contrary to prior belief. Vaccination is crucial for all in endemic areas, including pregnant women, to protect newborns from this serious disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Infant tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is often perceived as having low morbidity in neonates.
- Limited data exists on severe neurological outcomes in the youngest infants.
Observation:
- This report details the first documented case of TBE infection in a neonate.
- The infection led to significant and severe neurological impairment.
Findings:
- Neonatal TBE can result in devastating neurological sequelae.
- This case highlights the potential for severe TBE manifestations in the neonatal period.
Implications:
- Vaccination against TBE is strongly recommended for all individuals in endemic regions, especially women of childbearing age.
- Maternal vaccination may confer protective antibodies to newborns via transplacental transfer, potentially preventing or mitigating TBE's impact.
Abstract:
The reported cases of infant tick-borne encephalitis give the impression that the morbidity in this age group is negligible. We describe the first report of infection in the neonatal period that resulted in severe neurologic impairment. All persons living in or traveling to endemic areas should be protected by vaccination. This applies equally and especially to women of childbearing age. Transplacental transfer of antibody after vaccination has been observed and could provide protection to unvaccinated newborns preventing or alleviating the potential devastating impact of this disease.
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