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07:20
Detecting the Lyme Disease Spirochete, Borrelia Burgdorferi, in Ticks Using Nested PCR
Published on: February 4, 2018
[Tick-borne encephalitis after a holiday in Southern Germany]
Anna-Christa Q de Vries1, Jessica de Ruijter, Mariana de Mendonça Melo
1Havenziekenhuis, Afd. Interne geneeskunde, Academisch Medisch Centrum, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|January 7, 2010
Summary
A tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) case in Southern Germany presented with biphasic illness after tick bites. Diagnosis was confirmed serologically, highlighting the importance of vaccination in endemic areas.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), also known as Frühsommer-Meningoenzephalitis (FSME), is a viral infection transmitted by ticks.
- Southern Germany is an endemic region for TBE virus (TBEV).
- The illness often presents with a biphasic clinical course.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old male presented with headache, fever, and photophobia.
- The patient reported a history of tick bites in Southern Germany and a preceding flu-like illness.
- The illness exhibited a biphasic course, a characteristic pattern of TBE.
Findings:
- Serological tests confirmed the diagnosis of TBE.
- The biphasic course occurred in 72-87% of TBE cases.
- Prognosis is influenced by the specific virus subtype and the extent of central nervous system involvement.
Implications:
- Symptomatic treatment is the primary approach for TBE.
- Residual neurological symptoms can occur in affected patients.
- Active immunization is recommended for individuals with frequent or prolonged exposure in endemic TBE areas.
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