Pediatr. praxi. 2009;10(5):306-310

Tick-borne encephalitis

MUDr. Václav Chmelík^1,2

¹ Jihočeská univerzita, Fakulta zdravotně sociální

² Infekční oddělení Nemocnice České Budějovice a. s

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) as a disease of the central nervous system is endemic in many regions of Europe and Asia. There is increasing

number of hot spot areas in all parts of the Czech Republic, probably due to climate changes. The outdoor activities of people in natural

foci are essential for infection. Most of the patients have biphasic course of disease. In the second phase, the central nervous system is

affected: meningitis, more serious encephalitis and encephalomyelitis are observed. Encephalitis and encephalomyelitis have temporary

or long lasting sequelae very profoundly changing the quality of life. More serious diseases are observed in the elderly. TBE in childhood

and youngsters tends to be mild, but very serious or event fatal cases have been described. There is no causal therapy, symptomatic

treatment has to be very intensive in some patients. TBE vaccination is considered an effective prophylaxis to prevent the disease and

has been successfully implemented in the endemic countries. Two TBE vaccines are available in most European countries. Both vaccines

are safe and efficacious. In some parts of the Czech Republic the vaccination coverage has increased in childhood and younger people.

In such regions is number of cases in childhood decreasing.

Keywords: tick borne encephalitis, epidemiology, clinical course, vaccination.

Published: December 1, 2009  Show citation