African Tick Bite Fever
什么是African Tick Bite Fever？
African Tick Bite Fever (ATBF) is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected tick. It was first discovered in 1930, however it was not until 1992 that the agent of the disease, the Rickettsia africae bacterium, was isolated. It is estimated that approximately 4-5% of European travelers returning from sub-Saharan Africa and the West Indies, the regions where ATBF is endemic, become infected with ATBF.
如何获得African Tick Bite Fever？
ATBF is contracted through the bite of an infected tick. Ticks carrying the bacteria for ATBF live primarily on cattle but also on livestock and game animals in sub-Saharan Africa and the West Indies. It is estimated that approximately 50% of ticks living on cattle, livestock and game animals carry the bacteria for ATBF.
易感性和抗性
Those travelling to the regions of sub-Saharan Africa and the West Indies are at greatest risk of contracting ATBF. Although all persons are susceptible, travellers engaging in outdoor activities in these regions (camping, farming, hiking, hunting, visiting game reserves, etc.) will be at higher risk of infection.
ATBF occurs most commonly from November to April when the ticks carrying the disease are most active.
症状是什么？
Symptoms of ATBF include fever, headache, muscle pain and soreness, chills and a rash. The site of the bite(s) may be sore and red in colour with a dark, scabby center. Some people may have no symptoms of infection.
The symptoms of ATBF may appear quite similar to the symptoms of Mediterranean Spotted Fever, however they are typically milder.
Rare symptoms such as inflammation of the lymph nodes, brain and heart have also been reported.
预防措施
防止ATBF的主要预防措施是防止tick虫叮咬。避免使用高灌木丛和茂密林地的区域。使用含有至少20％DEET的驱虫剂，并全天重复使用驱虫剂。始终穿防护服覆盖裸露的皮肤，使用筛网和蚊帐，并在可能的情况下，使用经苄氯菊酯处理过的衣服/齿轮。返回室内后，洗澡并检查身体，衣服和装备是否有for虫。立即清除所有刻度。没有可用的疫苗。
处理
The patient should seek medical attention when they suspect that they have been in contact with a tick, find a tick on their body or as soon as symptoms appear.
Doxycycline is the recommended antibiotic for the treatment of ATBF and should be the first treatment given to patients suspected to have contracted ATBF. With doxycycline treatment, symptom relief should be noted within 48 hours. Generally, doxycycline treatment lasts 5-10 days. Tetracycline treatment may also be recommended by medical professionals.
药物
它常见于哪里？
ATBF在撒哈拉以南非洲和印度西部特别流行，尤其是在农村地区，这些地区的infected虫以及它们所生活的动物更为广泛。
