Neurological manifestations of ehrlichiosis among a cohort of patients: prevalence and clinical symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Ehrlichiosis is a potentially fatal tick-borne disease that can progress to involve the central nervous system (CNS) (i.e., neuro-ehrlichiosis), particularly in cases where diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Despite a six-fold national increase in the incidence of ehrlichiosis over the past 20 years, recent data on the prevalence and manifestations of neuro-ehrlichiosis are lacking. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients tested for ehrlichiosis at University of North Carolina Health facilities between 2018 and 2021 and identified patients who met epidemiological criteria for ehrlichiosis as established by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and employed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We estimated the prevalence of neurological symptoms and described the spectrum of neurological manifestations in acute ehrlichiosis, documenting select patient cases in more detail in a case series. RESULTS: Out of 55 patients with confirmed or probable ehrlichiosis, five patients (9.1%) had neurologic symptoms, which is notably lower than previous estimates. Neurological presentations were highly variable and included confusion, amnesia, seizures, focal neurological deficits mimicking ischemic vascular events, and an isolated cranial nerve palsy, though all patients had unremarkable neuroimaging at time of presentation. All but one patient had risk factors for severe ehrlichiosis (i.e., older age, immunosuppression). CONCLUSIONS: Neuro-ehrlichiosis may lack unifying patterns in clinical presentation that would otherwise aid in diagnosis. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for neuro-ehrlichiosis in patients with acute febrile illness, diverse neurological symptoms, and negative neuroimaging in lone star tick endemic regions.

Adverse effects of remdesivir for the treatment of acute COVID-19 in the pediatric population: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Although the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tends to be lower in children, it can still lead to severe illness, particularly among those with chronic medical conditions. While remdesivir (RDV) is one of the few approved antiviral treatments for COVID-19 in children in many countries, the available data on the safety of RDV in this population is limited. METHODS: To address this knowledge gap, a multicenter study involving 65 patients retrospectively analyzed the clinical data from individuals aged <18 who were hospitalized due to severe COVID-19 (defined as SpO2 < 94% or requiring supplemental oxygen) and received at least one dose of RDV. Additionally, the study encompassed 22 patients with mild-moderate COVID-19 who were considered at high risk of developing severe disease. RESULTS: Nineteen children (29%) experienced mild-to-moderate adverse events (AEs) attributed to RDV, including transaminitis in 20% of children, bradycardia in 8%, and hypotension in 5%. AEs did not require discontinuation of RDV, except in one patient who developed premature ventricular contractions. The rate of AEs did not differ between patients with severe COVID-19 and those with mild-moderate COVID-19 but at high risk for severe disease. All but one patient were discharged within 23 days of admission, and no fatalities were recorded. Among high-risk patients with mild-moderate disease, only 2 (9%) progressed to the point of needing supplemental oxygen. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggests that RDV is safe in children, with no reported serious AEs. However, the absence of a control group limits the extent to which conclusions can be drawn. RDV may contribute to clinical improvement, particularly in high-risk patients.

Delayed Diagnosis of Locally Acquired Lyme Disease, Central North Carolina, USA.

Healthcare providers in North Carolina, USA, have limited experience diagnosing and managing Lyme disease because few cases occur annually statewide. We outline the prolonged diagnostic course for a patient with locally acquired Lyme disease in North Carolina. This case highlights the need for greater awareness and professional education.

Alpha-Gal Syndrome in the Infectious Diseases Clinic: A Series of 5 Cases in Central North Carolina.

Background: Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a recently described allergy to galactose-α-1,3-galactose, an oligosaccharide present in mammalian meat. AGS can present with angioedema, urticaria, and anaphylaxis arising 3-6 hours after ingestion, although symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, fatigue, and arthralgias are also reported. Because AGS appears to be associated with tick bites, patients may present to infectious diseases (ID) clinics for evaluation. Methods: We documented a series of 5 patients referred to the University of North Carolina ID Clinic between 2020 and 2022 for various tick-borne infections that were found to have symptoms and laboratory testing consistent with AGS. Patients were subsequently referred to the Allergy and Immunology Clinic. Results: Patients were referred to the ID Clinic for persistent symptoms following positive tick-borne disease testing or presumed tick-borne infection. All patients had an elevated alpha-gal immunoglobulin E and clinical presentation consistent with AGS. Common symptoms included episodic gastrointestinal distress (eg, cramping, nausea, diarrhea), fatigue, arthralgias, and subjective cognitive impairment, but a notable absence of severe anaphylaxis. Four patients were seen by at least 1 nonallergy specialist prior to referral to ID. Patients reported substantial improvement in their symptoms following dietary restriction. Conclusions: ID physicians should be aware of AGS as a cause of persistent, nonspecific symptoms following a tick exposure or tick-borne illness. Further research is needed to determine the prevalence of alpha-gal sensitization and AGS following tick-borne bites.