Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a severe viral disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS). The disease presents with a variable clinical picture, ranging from inapparent infections (approximately two-thirds) to severe CNS involvement. The incubation period before the onset of the first clinical symptoms averages 7–14 days, with a range of 2–28 days. The mildest clinical form is the abortive form, which manifests as a viremic phase with nonspecific flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, myalgia, and arthralgia. This form often remains undiagnosed. TBE can follow a biphasic course, although this pattern is distinctly observed in only about 10% of patients. The initial phase lasts approximately 2–3 days and is characterized by nonspecific flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and headache. After a brief period of symptom relief lasting 2–3 days, the second phase follows with more pronounced intensity and characteristic neurological manifestations. While most infected individuals recover following this stage, approximately 5–15% progress to the neurological phase, developing clinical syndromes such as meningitis, encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, meningoencephalomyelitis, or encephaloradiculitis. Patients present with high fever, insomnia, anorexia, photophobia, impaired concentration, nausea or vomiting, slowed speech, and positive upper and lower meningeal signs. On average, symptoms subside after 7–10 days, leading to gradual recovery. This benign meningitic form of TBE is most commonly observed in children and adolescents, with complete recovery occurring within a few months, typically 2–3 months, without any long-term sequelae. A much more severe clinical presentation is the encephalitic form, which results from the involvement of both gray and white matter of the brain. In addition to the aforementioned symptoms, this form may also present with sleep disturbances, memory and concentration deficits, occasional impairment of consciousness, tremor of the tongue and fingers, and transient cranial nerve palsies, most commonly affecting the facial nerve. Symptoms of the encephalitic form persist significantly longer, often for many months, and recovery is protracted, frequently accompanied by persistent difficulties in concentration, sleep disturbances, and tremor of the upper limbs. In children and younger individuals, TBE generally follows a relatively mild course, with a short recovery period and no lasting consequences. However, disease severity increases with age, particularly in individuals over 60 years old. In this age group, the risk of serious and potentially permanent complications is significant, often leading to a substantial decline in quality of life. In rare cases, the disease may even result in a fatal outcome. In elderly, the encephalitic form is fatal in 2–3% of cases.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccination

章节
发表日期：

2025年

查看全文

Roman Chlibek

摘要

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a severe viral disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS). The disease presents with a variable clinical picture, ranging from inapparent infections (approximately two-thirds) to severe CNS involvement. The incubation period before the onset of the first clinical symptoms averages 7–14 days, with a range of 2–28 days. The mildest clinical form is the abortive form, which manifests as a viremic phase with nonspecific flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, myalgia, and arthralgia. This form often remains undiagnosed. TBE can follow a biphasic course, although this pattern is distinctly observed in only about 10% of patients. The initial phase lasts approximately 2–3 days and is characterized by nonspecific flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and headache. After a brief period of symptom relief lasting 2–3 days, the second phase follows with more pronounced intensity and characteristic neurological manifestations. While most infected individuals recover following this stage, approximately 5–15% progress to the neurological phase, developing clinical syndromes such as meningitis, encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, meningoencephalomyelitis, or encephaloradiculitis. Patients present with high fever, insomnia, anorexia, photophobia, impaired concentration, nausea or vomiting, slowed speech, and positive upper and lower meningeal signs. On average, symptoms subside after 7–10 days, leading to gradual recovery. This benign meningitic form of TBE is most commonly observed in children and adolescents, with complete recovery occurring within a few months, typically 2–3 months, without any long-term sequelae. A much more severe clinical presentation is the encephalitic form, which results from the involvement of both gray and white matter of the brain. In addition to the aforementioned symptoms, this form may also present with sleep disturbances, memory and concentration deficits, occasional impairment of consciousness, tremor of the tongue and fingers, and transient cranial nerve palsies, most commonly affecting the facial nerve. Symptoms of the encephalitic form persist significantly longer, often for many months, and recovery is protracted, frequently accompanied by persistent difficulties in concentration, sleep disturbances, and tremor of the upper limbs. In children and younger individuals, TBE generally follows a relatively mild course, with a short recovery period and no lasting consequences. However, disease severity increases with age, particularly in individuals over 60 years old. In this age group, the risk of serious and potentially permanent complications is significant, often leading to a substantial decline in quality of life. In rare cases, the disease may even result in a fatal outcome. In elderly, the encephalitic form is fatal in 2–3% of cases.