[Early summer meningoencephalitis. Extension of the endemic area to mid-Hessia].
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most severe arbovirus disease transmitted by ticks. The mortality of the central European form is 0.7-2%. Active immunisation is recommended for endemic regions. We report on 4 patients with TBE acquired in Middle-Hessen between 1994 and 1997 (2 in 1997). After repeated CSF and serum testing the TBE-specific antibodies were found in all 4 cases. In one case there was also evidence for a prior infection with borrelia burgdorferi. The results of the initial CSF-analysis were atypical in 2 cases (high cell count of 136 cells/mm3, total protein up to 1.5 g/l). The endemic region for TBE has expanded in northern direction into Middle-Hessen, a region in which Lyme borreliosis is also endemic. Thus, true double infections are possible. This and the initially frequently atypical CSF-findings make the differential diagnosis difficult. Therefore, repetitive CSF and blood examinations are recommended.
Ozdemir
F A
FA
Klinik für Neurologie mit Poliklinik, Medizinisches Zentrum für Nervenheilhunde, Philipps-Universität, Marburg.
Rosenow
F
F
Slenczka
W
W
Kleine
T O
TO
Oertel
W H
WH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004675:Encephalitis, Tick-Borne / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019353:Endemic Diseases; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008193:Lyme Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008590:Meningoencephalitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors