How should infection caused by encephalitic tick be treated? - briefly
Prompt administration of intravenous doxycycline, combined with supportive care and vigilant monitoring for neurological signs, constitutes the recommended therapy. Adjunctive measures may include antipyretics, anticonvulsants, and, when indicated, corticosteroids to mitigate cerebral edema.
How should infection caused by encephalitic tick be treated? - in detail
Tick‑borne encephalitis requires prompt, evidence‑based management focused on symptom control and prevention of complications. Initial assessment should include neurological examination, vital‑sign monitoring, and laboratory confirmation (serology for IgM antibodies, PCR when available).
Key therapeutic measures:
- Hospital admission for moderate to severe cases; intensive‑care monitoring if altered consciousness, seizures, or respiratory compromise occurs.
- Antipyretic and analgesic agents (e.g., paracetamol) to control fever and pain; avoid non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs if coagulopathy is present.
- Anticonvulsant therapy (e.g., levetiracetam or phenobarbital) for seizure activity, with continuous electroencephalographic monitoring when indicated.
- Intracranial pressure management: elevate head of bed, administer osmotic agents (mannitol or hypertonic saline) if signs of raised pressure develop.
- Respiratory support ranging from supplemental oxygen to mechanical ventilation for patients with bulbar dysfunction or respiratory failure.
- Fluid and electrolyte balance maintenance; correct hyponatremia or hypernatremia promptly.
Specific antiviral treatment remains unproven; ribavirin has shown limited efficacy in experimental settings and is not routinely recommended. Intravenous immunoglobulin may be considered in severe cases, although clinical benefit is not established.
Supportive care should be complemented by secondary‑prevention strategies:
- Administration of licensed tick‑borne encephalitis vaccine for individuals in endemic regions, following recommended dosing schedules.
- Post‑exposure prophylaxis with human immune globulin in high‑risk exposures, according to national guidelines.
- Education on tick avoidance, prompt removal of attached ticks, and use of repellents to reduce future infection risk.
Long‑term follow‑up includes neuropsychological assessment, motor‑function testing, and imaging (MRI) to identify persistent lesions. Rehabilitation programs address residual deficits in cognition, balance, and coordination.
Overall, treatment prioritizes vigilant monitoring, aggressive symptom management, and adherence to preventive vaccination protocols.