Evaluation of children cases admitted for tick bite in uludag university medicine of faculty

Abstract

Objective: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus causes a severe disease in humans, with a mortality of up to 30%. The geographical environment of our country is suitable for ticks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, and laboratory characteristics of children admitted for tick bites and determine the species of tick removed from the children.Material and Methods: Between April 2009 and September 2009, a total of 104 cases who had tick bites were included in the study. Detailed demographic, laboratory and clinical data were prospectively collected for each patient using a standardized questionnaire.Results: During the study period, a total of 104 children were admitted for tick bite. The mean age of patients was 7.3 +/- 4.4 years (1-18 years) and 71% were female. Most of the children (58%) were living in the rural region of Bursa. Of the 104 reported tick bites, most were nymphs of Rhipicephalus spp (42.3%) and larvae of Rhipicephalus spp (22.1%). Larvae of Ixodes spp (8.6%), nymphs of Ixodes spp. (6.7%), nymphs of Hyalomma spp. (4.8%) and adults of H. marginatum (2.7%) and R. sanguineus (10.5%) were also recorded. The records of H. aegyptium (0.9%) and R. turanicus (0.9%) were unremarkable. Clinical findings were normal on admission and follow up. The levels of liver enzymes, creatinine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, bleeding markers and complete blood count were normal. No CCHF infection was detected among the children admitted for tick bite.Conclusion: Tick bites and CCHF are important public health problems and it is crucial to publish information on tick bite prevention, which would play an important role in reducing the incidence of direct parasitic contact and the occurrence of transmittable diseases.