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Tick-borne relapsing fever in the Eastern United States
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Tick-borne relapsing fever, caused by Borrelia turicatae, was diagnosed in Ohio, suggesting its presence east of the Mississippi River. This finding highlights the need for increased awareness and diagnostic efforts for this rare disease in new regions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is traditionally endemic to the western United States.
- Cases in the eastern US were previously attributed to travel to endemic western regions.
- The causative agent is typically a species of Borrelia.
Observation:
- A case of TBRF was diagnosed in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1975.
- The patient had no history of travel outside of Ohio, challenging previous epidemiological assumptions.
- Serial serological studies identified Borrelia turicatae as the causative species.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented occurrence of TBRF east of the Mississippi River not linked to travel.
- Borrelia turicatae, the etiological agent, was confirmed through serological analysis.
- The diagnosis was challenging due to the rarity of the disease in this geographic area.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that TBRF may be present but underdiagnosed in the eastern United States.
- Increased clinical and laboratory awareness is crucial for recognizing TBRF in non-endemic areas.
- This expands the known geographic distribution of tick-borne relapsing fever and Borrelia turicatae infections.