What to do in brucellosis caused by a tick? - briefly
Remove the attached tick with fine tweezers, disinfect the area, and seek prompt medical evaluation for antibiotic therapy (commonly doxycycline plus rifampin). Monitor for fever, joint pain, or fatigue and report any symptoms to a healthcare professional without delay.
What to do in brucellosis caused by a tick? - in detail
Tick‑borne brucellosis requires prompt medical intervention. First, confirm infection through laboratory testing: obtain blood cultures, polymerase chain reaction assays, or serologic titers specific for Brucella spp. Early identification guides therapy and reduces complications.
After diagnosis, initiate antimicrobial regimen. The standard combination includes doxycycline (100 mg orally twice daily) plus rifampicin (600 mg orally once daily) for six weeks. In cases of severe disease, add streptomycin (1 g intramuscularly daily) for two to three weeks. Adjust doses for renal or hepatic impairment and monitor drug levels to avoid toxicity.
Supportive measures alleviate symptoms. Administer antipyretics for fever, analgesics for arthralgia, and intravenous fluids if dehydration occurs. Observe for signs of focal infection (e.g., osteoarticular involvement, endocarditis) and refer to specialists when indicated.
Patient education reduces recurrence. Instruct on tick avoidance: wear protective clothing, use EPA‑registered repellents, and perform regular body checks after outdoor exposure. Prompt removal of attached ticks with fine‑pointed tweezers lowers transmission risk.
Follow‑up schedule includes serologic testing at two‑week intervals to assess treatment response. Persistent or rising titers warrant extended therapy or alternative antibiotics. Document any adverse drug reactions and modify the regimen accordingly.
Key actions summarized:
- Obtain definitive laboratory confirmation.
- Start doxycycline + rifampicin for six weeks; add streptomycin for severe cases.
- Provide symptomatic care and monitor organ function.
- Educate on personal protective measures against ticks.
- Conduct serial serology to verify eradication; adjust therapy if needed.