When should immunoglobulins be taken after a tick bite? - briefly
«Immunoglobulins» should be administered as soon as possible after a tick bite, ideally within the first 24 hours and before symptom onset. Delaying treatment reduces efficacy and increases the risk of disease progression.
When should immunoglobulins be taken after a tick bite? - in detail
Immunoglobulin administration after a tick attachment is relevant only when a specific viral exposure demands passive immunization. Two situations justify its use: rabies post‑exposure prophylaxis and, in rare cases, tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) where hyperimmune globulin is available.
Rabies immunoglobulin must be given as soon as possible after the bite, ideally within the first 24 hours. The product is infiltrated around the entire wound site, with any remaining volume injected intramuscularly at a site distant from the vaccine administration. The regimen includes a single dose of human rabies immunoglobulin (20 IU/kg body weight) combined with the standard four‑dose rabies vaccine schedule on days 0, 3, 7, and 14.
For TBE, hyperimmune globulin is recommended only when vaccination cannot be performed promptly. The optimal window for passive antibody administration is within 48 hours of the tick removal. The dose (typically 0.5 mL per kilogram of body weight) is injected intramuscularly, followed by the first active‑immunization dose as soon as feasible, then a second dose after 1–3 months.
General protocol after a tick bite includes:
- Immediate removal of the tick with fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping the head and pulling straight upward.
- Thorough cleansing of the bite area with soap and water or an antiseptic.
- Assessment of exposure risk based on geographic endemicity and tick species.
- Consultation with a healthcare professional to determine the need for passive immunization or vaccination.
- Documentation of the bite date, location, and any administered immunoglobulin.
Timely medical evaluation and adherence to the outlined schedule are essential to prevent severe viral disease following tick exposure.