RESUMO
Close interaction with nature can lead to tick-borne illnesses, which are seen most frequently in primary care clinics when patients present symptoms. Considerable morbidity can result from untreated infections. Fortunately, these illnesses are often easily managed when diagnosed early.
Assuntos
Doenças Transmitidas por Carrapatos/diagnóstico , Babesiose/diagnóstico , Babesiose/terapia , Febre do Carrapato do Colorado/diagnóstico , Febre do Carrapato do Colorado/terapia , Humanos , Doença de Lyme/diagnóstico , Doença de Lyme/terapia , Febre Recorrente/diagnóstico , Febre Recorrente/terapia , Doenças Transmitidas por Carrapatos/prevenção & controle , Doenças Transmitidas por Carrapatos/terapia , Tularemia/diagnóstico , Tularemia/terapia , Estados UnidosRESUMO
Ticks may transmit a variety of human pathogens and are second in importance only to the mosquito as a vector of human disease. The majority of tick-borne diseases are nonspecific in their initial clinical and laboratory presentation and may be confused with a variety of more common illnesses. A history of tick exposure is frequently not available. Although specific serologic tests exist for confirming the diagnosis of many of these diseases, the time required for confirmation of results makes them of little use in the acute situation. Recognition of the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens and clinical suspicion are of key importance in making the appropriate diagnosis. Early and specific therapy is a principal factor in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases.
