What can you contract after a tick bite? - briefly
Tick bites can transmit a range of pathogens, the most prevalent being Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease. Additional agents include Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain spotted fever), Babesia microti, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, tick‑borne encephalitis virus, and the α‑gal carbohydrate that can trigger a red‑meat allergy.
What can you contract after a tick bite? - in detail
Ticks are capable of transmitting a range of pathogens and toxins that can cause acute or chronic illness. The most frequently encountered agents include bacteria, viruses, and protozoa; some species also produce neurotoxic salivary proteins that lead to paralysis.
Bacterial infections
- Borrelia burgdorferi complex – causes Lyme disease; early signs are erythema migrans, fever, headache, and fatigue; later stages may involve arthritis, carditis, and neuroborial manifestations. Doxycycline or amoxicillin are standard early‑stage therapies.
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum – produces human granulocytic anaplasmosis; symptoms include fever, chills, myalgia, and leukopenia; doxycycline is first‑line treatment.
- Ehrlichia chaffeensis – responsible for human monocytic ehrlichiosis; presents with fever, rash, and elevated liver enzymes; doxycycline recommended.
- Rickettsia rickettsii – agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever; hallmark is a maculopapular rash spreading from wrists and ankles; prompt doxycycline administration reduces mortality.
- Francisella tularensis – causes tularemia; manifests as ulceroglandular lesions, fever, and lymphadenopathy; streptomycin or gentamicin are preferred.
- Coxiella burnetii – produces Q fever; may appear as flu‑like illness or atypical pneumonia; doxycycline effective for acute cases.
Viral infections
- Powassan virus – a flavivirus causing encephalitis or meningitis; incubation 1–5 weeks; supportive care is the mainstay, as no specific antiviral exists.
- Heartland virus – a phlebovirus associated with fever, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia; management is supportive.
- Bourbon virus – another phlebovirus; clinical picture similar to Heartland virus; supportive treatment required.
Protozoal infection
- Babesia microti – induces babesiosis; symptoms range from asymptomatic to severe hemolytic anemia, especially in immunocompromised patients; combination of atovaquone and azithromycin or clindamycin plus quinine is used.
Non‑infectious effects
- Tick‑induced paralysis – neurotoxin secreted by certain species (e.g., Dermacentor spp.) interferes with neuromuscular transmission, leading to ascending weakness and possible respiratory failure; removal of the attached tick usually reverses symptoms within 24 hours.
- Local allergic reactions – erythema, itching, or cellulitis at the bite site; antihistamines or topical steroids may provide relief.
- Secondary bacterial infection – introduction of skin flora into the wound; treated with appropriate antibiotics based on culture.
Recognition of early signs, prompt removal of the tick, and timely laboratory testing (serology, PCR, blood smears) are essential for effective management. Empiric doxycycline covers most bacterial tick‑borne diseases and is often initiated when exposure is suspected, while viral and protozoal infections require supportive care and specific antiparasitic regimens.