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Fatal Deer Tick Virus Infection in Maine
Catherine E Cavanaugh1, Paul L Muscat2, Sam R Telford3
1Lincoln Medical Partners Internal Medicine, Damariscotta.
Abstract:
Deer tick virus (DTV), a genetic variant (lineage II) of Powassan virus, is a rare cause of encephalitis in North America. We report a fatal case of DTV encephalitis following a documented bite from an Ixodes scapularis tick and the erythema migrans rash associated with Lyme disease.
Insights
Deer tick virus (DTV), a rare cause of encephalitis, can be fatal. This case followed an Ixodes scapularis tick bite and Lyme disease rash.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Tick-borne Illnesses
Background:
- Deer tick virus (DTV) is a lineage II genetic variant of Powassan virus.
- DTV is a rare but serious cause of encephalitis in North America.
Observation:
- A fatal case of DTV encephalitis is presented.
- The patient had a documented bite from an Ixodes scapularis tick.
- The patient also presented with an erythema migrans rash, indicative of Lyme disease.
Findings:
- This report details a fatal encephalitis caused by Deer tick virus.
- The case highlights a potential association between DTV infection and concurrent Lyme disease presentation following an Ixodes scapularis tick bite.
Implications:
- This case underscores the severe neurological potential of Deer tick virus.
- It emphasizes the importance of considering DTV in the differential diagnosis of encephalitis, especially in endemic areas with tick exposure.
- Co-infection or sequential infection with Lyme disease may influence DTV pathogenesis or clinical presentation.
