Definition:
Tick-borne encephalitis, or TBE, is a human viral infectious disease concrened with the central nervous system. The disease most often manifests as meningitis (inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), or meningoencephalitis (inflammation of both the brain and meninges). Although TBE is most commonly recognized as a neurologic disease, mild febrile illnesses can also arise.
Diagnosis:
The actual diagnosis of a tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) must be done in the laboratory because of the non-specific clinical features it presents.
Treatment:
There is no specific drug therapy for this disease. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, may be considered under specific instances for symptomatic relief.
Symptoms and Signs:
During the first phase of the disease, the most common laboratory anomalies are a low white blood cell count (leukopenia) and a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). Liver enzymes in the serum may also be mildly heightened. After the onset of neurologic disease during the second phase, a rise in the number of white blood cells in the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is usually found
Causes:
TBE is caused by tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a member of the family Flaviviridae.
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