TBRFs are caused by different Borrelia species. They are endemic in temperate and warm regions of the word, especially in Africa (Tanzania, DRC, Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, the Horn of Africa) and mainly in rural areas. TBRF is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children and pregnant women. The mortality rate for untreated TBRF ranges from 2 to 15%.
Clinical features
The clinical manifestations and complications of TBRF are similar to those of LBRF but neurological symptoms (particularly, cranial nerve palsies and lymphocytic meningitis) are more frequent than in LBRF and the number of relapses is higher.
The clinical diagnosis is difficult, especially during the first episode: cases occur sporadically rather than in outbreaks; the tick bite is painless and usually unnoticed by the patient; symptoms are very similar to those of malaria, typhoid fever, leptospirosis, certain arbovirosis (yellow fever, dengue) or rickettsiosis, and meningitis.
Laboratory
- As for LBRF, the diagnosis is confirmed by detection of Borrelia in the patient’s blood.
- Repeat the examination if the first smear is negative despite strong clinical suspicion.
Treatment
- Antibiotherapy:
doxycycline PO (except in children under 8 years and pregnant or lactating women)
Children 8 years and over: 50 mg 2 times daily or 100 mg once daily for 7 days
Adults: 100 mg 2 times daily or 200 mg once daily for 7 days
or
erythromycin PO
Children under 8 years: 25 mg/kg 2 times daily for 7 days
Pregnant or breastfeeding women: 1 g 2 times daily for 7 days
- Treatment of pain and fever (paracetamol PO) and prevention or treatment of dehydration in the event of associated diarrhoea.