What diseases can be transmitted by tick bites? - briefly
Ticks transmit bacterial infections such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and rickettsioses, viral illnesses including tick‑borne encephalitis and Powassan virus, and the protozoan disease babesiosis.
What diseases can be transmitted by tick bites? - in detail
Ticks serve as vectors for a range of pathogenic organisms that affect humans and animals. The most prevalent infections include:
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«Lyme disease» – caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi; early signs involve erythema migrans, fever, headache, and fatigue, while later stages may produce arthritis, neurological deficits, and cardiac conduction abnormalities. Diagnosis relies on serologic testing; doxycycline or amoxicillin constitute first‑line therapy.
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«Anaplasmosis» – resulting from Anaplasma phagocytophilum; patients present with fever, chills, myalgia, and leukopenia. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or serology confirm infection; doxycycline is recommended for a 10‑day course.
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«Ehrlichiosis» – transmitted by Ehrlichia chaffeensis and related species; clinical picture mirrors anaplasmosis but often includes thrombocytopenia and elevated liver enzymes. Doxycycline remains the treatment of choice.
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«Babesiosis» – a protozoan infection caused by Babesia microti; hemolytic anemia, fever, and splenomegaly are typical. Microscopic identification of intra‑erythrocytic parasites or PCR confirms diagnosis; combination therapy with atovaquone and azithromycin is standard, while severe cases may require clindamycin plus quinine.
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«Rocky Mountain spotted fever» – due to Rickettsia rickettsii; characterized by abrupt fever, headache, rash beginning on wrists and ankles, and potential vasculitis. Early administration of doxycycline within 48 hours markedly reduces mortality.
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«Tick‑borne relapsing fever» – caused by various Borrelia species; recurrent febrile episodes accompany meningismus and hyperbilirubinemia. Diagnosis via microscopy of spirochetes in blood; tetracycline or penicillin are effective.
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«Tularemia» – Francisella tularensis infection; ulceroglandular form presents with a skin ulcer and regional lymphadenopathy, while pneumonic form may develop after inhalation of aerosolized bacteria. Streptomycin or gentamicin are first‑line agents.
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«Powassan virus disease» – a flavivirus causing encephalitis or meningitis; symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, and neurologic deficits. No specific antiviral therapy exists; supportive care is essential.
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«Southern tick‑associated rash illness» – a newly described condition linked to Rickettsia spp.; manifests as a maculopapular rash and mild systemic symptoms. Management parallels that of other rickettsial infections.
Each pathogen exhibits distinct epidemiology, clinical progression, and therapeutic requirements. Prompt recognition of tick exposure, thorough physical examination for characteristic lesions, and appropriate laboratory testing are critical for effective management and prevention of severe outcomes.