Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever in Dogs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In the United States, Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF) in dogs is caused by the spirochete bacteria Borrelia turicatae and Borrelia hermsii, transmitted by Ornithodoros spp. ticks. The hallmark diagnostic feature of this infection is the visualization of numerous spirochetes during standard blood smear examination. Although the course of spirochetemia has not been fully characterized in dogs, in humans infected with TBRF the episodes of spirochetemia and fever are intermittent.

Objectives

To describe TBRF in dogs by providing additional case reports and reviewing the disease in veterinary and human medicine.

Animals

Five cases of privately-owned dogs naturally infected with TBRF in Texas are reviewed.

Methods

Case series and literature review.

Re

SUBMITTER: Piccione J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5094544 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature