Tick-borne infections in children in North America

Curr Opin Pediatr. 2024 Apr 1;36(2):156-163. doi: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000001326. Epub 2024 Jan 3.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Because both incidence and awareness of tick-borne infections is increasing, review of major infections and recent advances related to their diagnosis and management is important.

Recent findings: A new algorithm, termed modified two-tier testing, for testing for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi , the cause of Lyme disease, has been approved and may replace traditional two-tier testing. In addition, doxycycline is now acceptable to use for treatment of and/or prophylaxis for Lyme disease for up to 21 days in children of any age. Borrelia miyamotoi , a bacterium in the relapsing fever type of Borrelia, is the first of this type of Borrelia that is transmitted by hard-bodied ticks such as Ixodes scapularis.

Summary: Awareness of these infections and advances in their diagnosis and treatment is important to assure the best outcomes for affected patients. Table 1 contains a summary of infections discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Borrelia burgdorferi*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Lyme Disease* / diagnosis
  • Lyme Disease* / drug therapy
  • Lyme Disease* / epidemiology
  • North America
  • Relapsing Fever* / diagnosis
  • Relapsing Fever* / drug therapy
  • Relapsing Fever* / epidemiology
  • Tick-Borne Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Tick-Borne Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Tick-Borne Diseases* / epidemiology