User:Mr. Ibrahem/African tick bite fever

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African tick bite fever
Leg lesion from a Rickettsia africae infection
SpecialtyInfectious disease
SymptomsFever, headache, muscles pains, rash[1]
ComplicationsRare (joint inflammation)[2][3]
Usual onset4–10 days after the bite[4]
CausesRickettsia africae spread by ticks[2]
Diagnostic methodBased on symptoms, confirmed by culture, PCR, or immunofluorescence[3][2]
PreventionAvoiding tick bites[1]
MedicationDoxycycline, chloramphenicol, azithromycin[2][3]
PrognosisGood[2]
FrequencyRelatively common among travelers to sub-Saharan Africa[2]
DeathsNone reported[3]

African tick bite fever (ATBF) is a bacterial infection spread by the bite of a tick.[1] Symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle pain, and a rash.[1] At the site of the bite there is typically a red skin sore with a dark center.[1] The onset of symptoms usually occurs 4–10 days after the bite.[4] Complications are rare, but may include joint inflammation.[2][3] Some people do not develop symptoms.[4]

Tick bite fever is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia africae.[2] The bacterium is spread by ticks of the Amblyomma type.[2] These generally live in tall grass or bush rather than in cities.[2] The diagnosis is typically based on symptoms.[3] It can be confirmed by culture, PCR, or immunofluorescence.[2]

There is no vaccine.[1] Prevention is by avoiding tick bites by covering the skin, using DEET, or using permethrin treated clothing.[1] Evidence regarding treatment, however, is limited.[2] The antibiotic doxycycline appears useful.[2] Chloramphenicol or azithromycin may also be used.[2][3] The disease will also tend to resolve without treatment.[3]

The disease occurs in sub-Saharan Africa, the West Indies, and Oceania.[1][5] It is relatively common among travelers to sub-Saharan Africa.[2] Most infections occur between November and April.[1] Outbreaks of the disease may occur.[3] The earliest descriptions of the condition are believed to be from 1911.[2] African tick bite fever is a type of spotted fever.[5] It has previously been confused with Mediterranean spotted fever.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "African Tick-Bite Fever". wwwnc.cdc.gov. March 2013. Archived from the original on 6 October 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Jensenius, M; Fournier, PE; Kelly, P; Myrvang, B; Raoult, D (September 2003). "African tick bite fever". The Lancet. Infectious Diseases. 3 (9): 557–64. doi:10.1016/s1473-3099(03)00739-4. PMID 12954562.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i Jensenius, Mogens; Fournier, Pierre-Edouard; Raoult, Didier (2004-11-15). "Rickettsioses and the international traveler". Clinical Infectious Diseases. 39 (10): 1493–1499. doi:10.1086/425365. ISSN 1537-6591. PMID 15546086.
  4. ^ a b c Jeremy Farrar; Peter Hotez; Thomas Junghanss; Gagandeep Kang; David Lalloo; Nicholas J. White (2013). Manson's Tropical Diseases. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 279. ISBN 9780702051029.
  5. ^ a b "Imported Spotted Fevers". www.cdc.gov. April 2017. Archived from the original on 29 October 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
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