Relapsing Fever

What is Relapsing Fever?

  • Relapsing-fever is also known as Tick-borne relapsing fever, Louse-borne relapsing fever, Borrelia, human body louse etc.Relapsing-fever is a multisystem acute febrile disease caused by two similar bacteria in the Borrelia family which are called as Borrelia recurrentis and Borrelia duttoni. In Washington State nearly 2-8 cases of tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) are reported each year. Borrelia are spirochetes that measure 5-20 mm long by 0.5 mm in diameter.There are 2 forms of Relapsing-fever-1.Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) 2.Louse-borne relapsing fever. It can be transmitted by lice or Ornithodoros ticks. The Mortality rate is 1% with treatment; 30-70% without treatment.

Causes of Relapsing Fever

  • Infection is the main cause.it may include- Viral infection like influenza, HIV, hepatitis, herpes simplex encephalitis, mononucleosis. Bacterial infection like pneumonia, endocarditis, tuberculosis.
  • Rat bite fever

Symptoms of Relapsing Fever

  • Repeating bouts of fever and chills
  • muscle or joint aches
  • Headache; neck stiffness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Sore body

What are the treatments for Relapsing Fever?

  • A dose of erythromycin, doxycycline, chloramphenicol, or penicillin G. Doxycyclineof 100 mg orally, twice daily for seven to 10 days is the recommended medicine (should not be given to children and pregnant women for them erythromycin or penicillin is preferred).
  • Cyclic neutropenia:-It is a Life-long therapy with GCSF decreases risk of infection.