Question 1

A patient with mild symptoms of babesiosis is diagnosed with a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. What is the recommended treatment for this patient?&#10;A) Atovaquone and azithromycin for 7 to 10 days&#10;B) Clindamycin and quinine for 10 to 14 days&#10;C) Intravenous clindamycin and hospitalization&#10;D) Symptomatic therapy with observation

Accepted Answer

Atovaquone and azithromycin are the recommended first-line treatment for mild to moderate cases of babesiosis. Clindamycin and quinine are reserved for severe or complicated cases, and hospitalization is not necessary for most cases of babesiosis. Symptomatic therapy with observation alone is not recommended as it may lead to disease progression and complications.

Question 2

A patient presents with fever, severe headache, and rash and has a history of tick bite. Which tick-borne illness is suspected?&#10;A) Babesiosis&#10;B) Ehrlichiosis&#10;C) Lyme disease&#10;D) Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Accepted Answer

The symptoms of fever, severe headache, and rash are typical of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF). The history of tick bite adds to the suspicion, as the bacteria that causes RMSF is primarily transmitted by the American dog tick, which is commonly found in the western United States. Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis can also be transmitted by ticks, but typically do not present with the same combination of symptoms. Lyme disease can also present with a rash, but the headache associated with Lyme disease is typically less severe and the rash looks different than the rash seen in RMSF.

Question 3

A parent brings a child to clinic and reports pulling a tick off the child after being outdoors that day. The parent is concerned that the child may have Lyme disease. What will the provider tell this parent?

A) A laboratory test today will help identify the presence of the disease.
B) Antibiotic prophylaxis is necessary to prevent development of symptoms.
C) Transmission of the organism only occurs with prolonged attachment of the tick.
D) Unless the child develops systemic symptoms, treatment is not indicated.

C

Accepted Answer

Transmission of the organism that causes Lyme disease typically requires the tick to be attached for at least 36-48 hours.

Deck 213: Tick-Borne Diseases