Open AccessA case of tick-borne relapsing fever in pregnancy
Author(s) -
Jan Lam,
Oscar Larios,
Michael D. Parkins,
Steven Vaughan
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
canada communicable disease report
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1481-8531
pISSN - 1188-4169
DOI - 10.14745/ccdr.v46i10a09
Subject(s) - pregnancy , tick , virology , tick borne disease , medicine , obstetrics , biology , genetics
Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is an infection caused by Borrelia spirochetes. In North America, Borrelia hermsii is the most common cause for TBRF. This vector-borne disease is transmitted by Ornithodoros hermsi , a soft-bodied tick found in high altitudes in northwestern United States and southwestern Canada. Once bitten by the tick and infected by B. hermsii , episodes of fever alternating with afebrile periods can occur. A case of TBRF in a pregnant host was complicated by Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction requiring critical care. This case emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion in TBRF. Clinician recognition, diagnosis and treatment of TBRF as well as public awareness of strategies to prevent tick bites should be strengthened.