Relapsing fever: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Relapsing fever | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| field = [[Infectious disease]] | |||
| symptoms = Recurring episodes of [[fever]], [[headache]], [[muscle pain]], [[joint pain]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]] | |||
| complications = [[Meningitis]], [[encephalitis]], [[myocarditis]], [[hepatitis]] | |||
| onset = Sudden | |||
| duration = 3-7 days per episode | |||
| causes = [[Borrelia]] species (e.g., ''[[Borrelia recurrentis]]'', ''[[Borrelia hermsii]]'') | |||
| risks = Exposure to [[ticks]] or [[lice]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Blood smear]], [[polymerase chain reaction|PCR]] | |||
| differential = [[Malaria]], [[typhoid fever]], [[dengue fever]] | |||
| prevention = Avoidance of tick and lice exposure, use of [[insect repellent]] | |||
| treatment = [[Antibiotics]] such as [[doxycycline]], [[tetracycline]], [[erythromycin]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare in developed countries, more common in certain regions of [[Africa]], [[Asia]], and [[South America]] | |||
}} | |||
'''Relapsing fever''' is a [[vector-borne disease]] caused by certain species of [[spirochete]] bacteria in the genus ''[[Borrelia]]''. The disease is characterized by recurring episodes of fever, hence the name. It is transmitted through the bite of infected [[lice]] or [[soft-bodied ticks]]. | '''Relapsing fever''' is a [[vector-borne disease]] caused by certain species of [[spirochete]] bacteria in the genus ''[[Borrelia]]''. The disease is characterized by recurring episodes of fever, hence the name. It is transmitted through the bite of infected [[lice]] or [[soft-bodied ticks]]. | ||
==Etiology== | ==Etiology== | ||
Relapsing fever is caused by various species of ''Borrelia'' bacteria. The most common species causing the disease are ''[[Borrelia recurrentis]]'', ''[[Borrelia duttonii]]'', and ''[[Borrelia hermsii]]''. These bacteria are [[spirochete]]s, a type of bacteria characterized by their long, spiral shape. | Relapsing fever is caused by various species of ''Borrelia'' bacteria. The most common species causing the disease are ''[[Borrelia recurrentis]]'', ''[[Borrelia duttonii]]'', and ''[[Borrelia hermsii]]''. These bacteria are [[spirochete]]s, a type of bacteria characterized by their long, spiral shape. | ||
==Transmission== | ==Transmission== | ||
The disease is transmitted through the bite of infected [[lice]] or [[soft-bodied ticks]]. The specific vector varies depending on the species of ''Borrelia'' involved. For example, ''Borrelia recurrentis'' is transmitted by lice, while ''Borrelia duttonii'' and ''Borrelia hermsii'' are transmitted by ticks. | The disease is transmitted through the bite of infected [[lice]] or [[soft-bodied ticks]]. The specific vector varies depending on the species of ''Borrelia'' involved. For example, ''Borrelia recurrentis'' is transmitted by lice, while ''Borrelia duttonii'' and ''Borrelia hermsii'' are transmitted by ticks. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The primary symptom of relapsing fever is a recurring fever that lasts for several days, followed by a period of no symptoms, and then another episode of fever. Other symptoms can include [[headache]], [[muscle aches]], [[joint pain]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], and [[abdominal pain]]. | The primary symptom of relapsing fever is a recurring fever that lasts for several days, followed by a period of no symptoms, and then another episode of fever. Other symptoms can include [[headache]], [[muscle aches]], [[joint pain]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], and [[abdominal pain]]. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Relapsing fever is diagnosed based on the patient's symptoms and history of exposure to lice or ticks. Laboratory tests can also be used to confirm the diagnosis, including [[blood tests]] to detect the presence of ''Borrelia'' bacteria. | Relapsing fever is diagnosed based on the patient's symptoms and history of exposure to lice or ticks. Laboratory tests can also be used to confirm the diagnosis, including [[blood tests]] to detect the presence of ''Borrelia'' bacteria. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for relapsing fever typically involves antibiotics to kill the ''Borrelia'' bacteria. The most commonly used antibiotics are [[doxycycline]], [[tetracycline]], and [[penicillin]]. | Treatment for relapsing fever typically involves antibiotics to kill the ''Borrelia'' bacteria. The most commonly used antibiotics are [[doxycycline]], [[tetracycline]], and [[penicillin]]. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Prevention of relapsing fever involves avoiding exposure to lice and ticks. This can be achieved through the use of insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and checking for ticks after spending time in wooded or grassy areas. | Prevention of relapsing fever involves avoiding exposure to lice and ticks. This can be achieved through the use of insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and checking for ticks after spending time in wooded or grassy areas. | ||
[[Category:Infectious diseases]] | [[Category:Infectious diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Vector-borne diseases]] | [[Category:Vector-borne diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Bacterial diseases]] | [[Category:Bacterial diseases]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 03:52, 4 April 2025
| Relapsing fever | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Recurring episodes of fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea, vomiting |
| Complications | Meningitis, encephalitis, myocarditis, hepatitis |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | 3-7 days per episode |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Borrelia species (e.g., Borrelia recurrentis, Borrelia hermsii) |
| Risks | Exposure to ticks or lice |
| Diagnosis | Blood smear, PCR |
| Differential diagnosis | Malaria, typhoid fever, dengue fever |
| Prevention | Avoidance of tick and lice exposure, use of insect repellent |
| Treatment | Antibiotics such as doxycycline, tetracycline, erythromycin |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Rare in developed countries, more common in certain regions of Africa, Asia, and South America |
| Deaths | N/A |
Relapsing fever is a vector-borne disease caused by certain species of spirochete bacteria in the genus Borrelia. The disease is characterized by recurring episodes of fever, hence the name. It is transmitted through the bite of infected lice or soft-bodied ticks.
Etiology[edit]
Relapsing fever is caused by various species of Borrelia bacteria. The most common species causing the disease are Borrelia recurrentis, Borrelia duttonii, and Borrelia hermsii. These bacteria are spirochetes, a type of bacteria characterized by their long, spiral shape.
Transmission[edit]
The disease is transmitted through the bite of infected lice or soft-bodied ticks. The specific vector varies depending on the species of Borrelia involved. For example, Borrelia recurrentis is transmitted by lice, while Borrelia duttonii and Borrelia hermsii are transmitted by ticks.
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of relapsing fever is a recurring fever that lasts for several days, followed by a period of no symptoms, and then another episode of fever. Other symptoms can include headache, muscle aches, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Diagnosis[edit]
Relapsing fever is diagnosed based on the patient's symptoms and history of exposure to lice or ticks. Laboratory tests can also be used to confirm the diagnosis, including blood tests to detect the presence of Borrelia bacteria.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for relapsing fever typically involves antibiotics to kill the Borrelia bacteria. The most commonly used antibiotics are doxycycline, tetracycline, and penicillin.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of relapsing fever involves avoiding exposure to lice and ticks. This can be achieved through the use of insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and checking for ticks after spending time in wooded or grassy areas.
