Louse‐borne relapsing fever in Finland in two asylum seekers from Somalia. Issue 1 (16th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hytönen, Jukka; Khawaja, Tamim; Grönroos, Juha O.; Jalava, Anna; Meri, Seppo; Oksi, Jarmo
• Is Part Of: Apmis. Volume 125:Issue 1(2017:Jan.)
• Page Start: 59
• Page End: 62
• Publication Date: 2016-11-16
• Subjects: Louse‐borne relapsing fever -- Borrelia recurrentis -- refugee; Pathology -- Periodicals; Microbiology -- Periodicals; Immunology -- Periodicals; 572
• DOI: 10.1111/apm.12635
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0903-4641

Abstract

Abstract : We report two cases of louse‐borne relapsing fever (LBRF) in young Somali asylum seekers having recently arrived to Finland. They had sought medical attention for a febrile illness. Blood smears were examined for suspected malaria, but instead, spirochete shaped bacteria were observed. The bacteria were confirmed as Borrelia recurrentis by PCR and sequencing. The patients survived, but their treatment was complicated by Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction. We conclude that LBRF must be considered as a diagnostic option in febrile refugees also in the northernmost parts of Europe.