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Review
. 2024 Apr 1;36(2):156-163.
doi: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000001326. Epub 2024 Jan 3.

Tick-borne infections in children in North America

Emma Taylor-Salmon  1   2 , Eugene D Shapiro  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Tick-borne infections in children in North America

Emma Taylor-Salmon et al. Curr Opin Pediatr. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Because both incidence and awareness of tick-borne infections is increasing, review of major infections and recent advances related to their diagnosis and management is important.

Recent findings: A new algorithm, termed modified two-tier testing, for testing for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi , the cause of Lyme disease, has been approved and may replace traditional two-tier testing. In addition, doxycycline is now acceptable to use for treatment of and/or prophylaxis for Lyme disease for up to 21 days in children of any age. Borrelia miyamotoi , a bacterium in the relapsing fever type of Borrelia, is the first of this type of Borrelia that is transmitted by hard-bodied ticks such as Ixodes scapularis.

Summary: Awareness of these infections and advances in their diagnosis and treatment is important to assure the best outcomes for affected patients. Table 1 contains a summary of infections discussed.

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Conflict of interest statement

Potential Conflicts of interest: Dr. Shapiro receives royalties from UptoDate and has served as an expert witness for law firms and as a consultant to Pfizer.

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References

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