RESUMO
An historical survey is given of the personalities and events connected with the discovery and investigation of tick-bite fever in South Africa over the past half-century.
Assuntos
Infecções por Rickettsia/história , Toxicoses por Carrapatos/história , Animais , Cães , Cobaias , História do Século XX , Humanos , Infecções por Rickettsia/transmissão , África do SulRESUMO
This is a case presentation and review of an uncommon disorder, tick toxicosis. The history, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment are discussed. This disorder was mentioned in diaries from the early 1800s and has been reported in 18 states and the District of Columbia. A review of 70 cases reveals that the typical patient is a female child who develops leg weakness, irritability, or clumsiness. The exact site at which the toxin induces the paralysis is unknown. Removal of the tick usually reverses the paralysis within hours. Confusing tick toxicosis with other disorders may occur, and death has resulted. This article will remind physicians to consider tick toxicosis when seeing patients with acute ataxia or ascending paralysis and to, perhaps, prevent death from an easily treatable disorder.
