Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026
Autonomous and Rechargeable Microneurostimulator Endoscopically Implantable into the Submucosa
Published on: September 27, 2018
Clinical course and sequelae for tick-borne encephalitis among children in South Moravia (Czech Republic)
Lenka Krbková1, Hana Štroblová, Jana Bednářová
1Department of Children's Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Masaryk University, Jihlavská 100, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic, lkrbkova@fnbrno.cz.
Insights
Tick-borne encephalitis in children typically has a mild course with few lasting effects. Meningitis is common, but long-term neurocognitive issues are infrequent, with most cases resolving well.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a significant viral infection affecting the central nervous system.
- Pediatric TBE cases require detailed analysis of clinical presentation and long-term outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical course and sequelae of tick-borne encephalitis in a pediatric population.
- To evaluate demographic, epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory features of TBE in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 170 children diagnosed with TBE in the Czech Republic.
- Evaluation of clinical data, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis for TBE virus (TBEV)-specific antibodies, and neurological examinations.
- Assessment of subjective complaints and objective neurological deficits, including long-term follow-up for sequelae.
Main Results:
- Tick bites were reported in 74% of cases, with a biphasic clinical course observed in 58%.
- Meningitis (77%) was the predominant form, often accompanied by fever, headache, and meningeal signs during the second phase.
- Neurocognitive abnormalities were present in 11% of children, with permanent but non-progressive sequelae in some cases; severe sequelae were rare (1%).
Conclusions:
- Tick-borne encephalitis in children generally follows a benign clinical course with minimal long-term sequelae.
- Meningitis with a biphasic pattern is the most common presentation.
- The duration and positivity of IgM antibodies are not definitive indicators of post-encephalitic disorders.
Unlabelled:
This study of 170 children in the Czech Republic examines the clinical course and sequelae for tick-borne encephalitis. Evaluated were demographic and epidemiological data, signs and symptoms at admission, clinical course during hospital stay and laboratory findings. Cerebrospinal fluid was analysed for white blood cells, protein, impairment of blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV)-specific antibodies. Subjective complaints and objective neurological deficits were investigated. Tick bites were reported in 74 % of the children. The illness had a biphasic clinical course in 58 % of cases. The second phase was characterized by headache in 98 %, high fever in 86 % (more than 38.5 °C), vomiting in 64 % and meningeal signs in 92 % of children. Meningitis (77 %) dominated over meningoencephalitis (13 %). Inflammatory changes in CSF were found in 90 % of children. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against TBEV in serum were found early in the infection in 99 %. IgM positivity lasted up to 1,126 days. Neurocognitive abnormalities were found in 19 (11 %) of children. Acquired aphasia, lasting tremor of the upper extremities, speech impairment, inversion of sleep and wakefulness, abnormal hyperkinetic movements and vertigo were found to be permanent but not progressing. Severe sequelae persisted in two children (1 %) while in three (2 %) were classified as mild or moderate.
Conclusion:
Tick-borne encephalitis in children has a benign course with minimal sequelae. Meningitis with biphasic course is the prevalent involvement and the duration of IgM antibodies in serum and index of positivity are not decisive for postencephalitic disorders.
