1: Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz. 2004
May;47(5):470-86. Related Articles, Links

[Tick-borne human pathogenic microorganisms found in Europe and those
considered nonpathogenic. Part II: Bacteria, parasites and mixed
infections]

[Article in German]

Suss J, Fingerle V, Hunfeld KP, Schrader C, Wilske B.

Bundesforschungsanstalt fur Viruskrankheiten der Tiere, Standort, Jena.

The importance of tick-borne diseases has significantly increased
objectively and subjectively during the last few years. This fact was
demonstrated by the description of tick-borne viruses, in particular
with respect to tickborne encephalitis published in part I. Here in
part II, tick-borne bacteria and parasites will be discussed as well
the significance of these agents, their vectors, clinical course,
diagnostics, prophylaxis, and therapy. Naturally, Lyme borreliosis, one
of the most important tick-borne bacterial illnesses of humans, is the
center of our interest. In addition to basic understanding, critical
practice-relevant advice regarding all agents is presented. Similarly
all tick-borne bacterial diseases such as relapsing fever, tularemia,
ehrlichiosis, and rickettsiosis including Q fever will be discussed.
Tick-borne zoonotic babesiae are parasites whose veterinary importance
has been known for the last 100 years but whose relevance for human
medicine only became evident in 1957. The fact that multiple and mixed
infections caused by ticks are possible has been known for years.
Taking into account such a high prevalence of the infectious agents in
ticks, such multiple infections were to be expected. During the last
few years it has become evident that double and multiple infections of
humans caused by tick bites occur far more frequently than has been
known so far. As a result, in cases of unclear anamnesis,new diagnostic
and therapeutic approaches should be taken. In general one can say that
considerable additional scientific research is necessary to effectively
reduce the incidence of tick-borne diseases.

Publication Types:
Review

PMID: 15205761 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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