Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever in Southwest Colorado: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Zoonotic Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is a zoonotic disease caused by Borrelia spirochetes.
• It is endemic in high-elevation coniferous forests of the western United States.

Observation:

• A case report details a 44-year-old male in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado, presenting with fever, myalgia, vomiting, and chills.
• Laboratory findings included bandemia, thrombocytopenia, and hyperbilirubinemia.
• Peripheral smear confirmed Borrelia spirochetes.

Findings:

• The patient was successfully treated with parenteral ceftriaxone followed by oral doxycycline.
• TBRF presents with nonspecific symptoms, posing a diagnostic challenge for emergency physicians.
• Early recognition and treatment are vital for patient recovery.

Implications:

• TBRF should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients in western US high-altitude forested regions.
• Awareness among emergency physicians is critical for timely diagnosis and management of this potentially life-threatening illness.
• This case highlights the importance of considering rare tick-borne diseases in endemic areas.