What is the disease caused by ticks called? - briefly
The most common illness transmitted by ticks is Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Other notable tick‑borne infections include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis.
What is the disease caused by ticks called? - in detail
Ticks transmit several infectious agents, the most prevalent being the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease. Other notable tick‑borne illnesses include anaplasmosis, babesiosis, tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE), Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis. Each disease has distinct epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic protocols.
Etiology and vectors
- Borrelia burgdorferi: transmitted by Ixodes scapularis (eastern US) and Ixodes ricinus (Europe).
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum: same Ixodes species.
- Babesia microti: Ixodes scapularis, primarily in the northeastern United States.
- Tick‑borne encephalitis virus: Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus in Europe and Asia.
- Rickettsia rickettsii: Dermacentor variabilis and Dermacentor andersoni in North America.
Clinical presentation
- Early localized Lyme disease: erythema migrans rash, flu‑like symptoms, headache.
- Disseminated Lyme disease: multiple erythema migrans lesions, neurologic involvement (cranial nerve palsy, meningitis), cardiac conduction abnormalities.
- Anaplasmosis: fever, chills, myalgia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia.
- Babesiosis: hemolytic anemia, jaundice, splenomegaly.
- TBE: biphasic illness with initial febrile phase followed by encephalitic or meningo‑myelitic phase, presenting with confusion, ataxia, seizures.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever: high fever, rash beginning on wrists and ankles, progressing centrally, potential for vasculitis and organ failure.
Diagnosis
- Serologic testing (ELISA, Western blot) for Lyme disease; PCR for Borrelia DNA in early infection.
- Blood smear for Babesia parasites.
- PCR or immunofluorescence assay for Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species.
- IgM/IgG serology for TBE; cerebrospinal fluid analysis when neurologic signs appear.
- Immunohistochemistry or PCR for Rickettsia spp.
Treatment
- Doxycycline (100 mg twice daily) for 10–21 days is first‑line for Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
- Ceftriaxone for neurologic Lyme disease or when doxycycline is contraindicated.
- Atovaquone plus azithromycin for babesiosis; clindamycin plus quinine if severe.
- Supportive care and antiviral therapy are not indicated for TBE; prevention through vaccination is preferred in endemic regions.
Prevention
- Personal protective measures: long sleeves, insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, frequent tick checks, prompt removal of attached ticks.
- Landscape management: keep grass short, create barrier zones, use acaricides where appropriate.
- Vaccination: licensed TBE vaccines for high‑risk populations in Europe and Asia.
Understanding the specific pathogen, vector species, and regional distribution is essential for accurate diagnosis and timely therapy, reducing the risk of long‑term complications associated with tick‑borne diseases.