Tick-borne disease

An overview of diseases transmitted by ticks

A tick attached to human skin

Tick-borne diseases are illnesses that are transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of infected ticks. These diseases are caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Ticks are small arachnids, part of the order Ixodida, and are known for their role as vectors in the transmission of these diseases.

Types of Tick-borne Diseases

Tick-borne diseases can be classified based on the type of pathogen they carry. Some of the most common tick-borne diseases include:

Bacterial Infections

• Lyme disease: Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States. It is primarily transmitted by the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis).
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever: This disease is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii and is transmitted by the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis).
• Tularemia: Caused by Francisella tularensis, tularemia can be transmitted by several species of ticks, including the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum).

Viral Infections

• Tick-borne encephalitis: This viral infection is prevalent in parts of Europe and Asia and is transmitted by the Ixodes ricinus tick.
• Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: A severe viral disease transmitted by the Hyalomma tick.

Protozoal Infections

• Babesiosis: Caused by Babesia microti, this disease is transmitted by the same tick that spreads Lyme disease, the black-legged tick.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of tick-borne diseases can vary widely depending on the specific disease. Common symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash. For example, Lyme disease often presents with a "bull's-eye" rash known as erythema migrans.

Diagnosis of tick-borne diseases typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory testing. Serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are commonly used to detect the presence of specific pathogens.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventing tick bites is the most effective way to avoid tick-borne diseases. This can be achieved by using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and performing regular tick checks after spending time outdoors.

Treatment of tick-borne diseases often involves the use of antibiotics for bacterial infections. For example, doxycycline is commonly prescribed for Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Viral infections may require supportive care, and there are vaccines available for some diseases, such as tick-borne encephalitis.

Related pages

• Vector (epidemiology)
• Zoonosis
• Infectious disease