TICK-BORNE PATHOGENS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS TYPE 1 (HIV-1) INFECTION

The studies on the occurrence and diversity of tick-borne infections in HIV-infected individuals have been few, and the subject has been relatively neglected when compared with other infections associated with HIV. Non-specific symptoms of tick-borne diseases pose a challenge in clinical care and may lead to misdiagnosis, especially in HIV-positive patients, who often experience many non-specific clinical symptoms. Additionally, in immunocompromised patients, a significant delay of antibody production may occur, and the results of a serological test may be misinterpreted. This review focuses on the most common tick-borne infections in HIV-positive patients in Europe.

1. Introduction. 2. Ticks as vectors. 3. Babesiosis. 3.1. Diagnostics and treatment. 4. Lyme borreliosis. 4.1. Diagnostics and treatment. 5. Rickettsiosis. 5.1. Diagnostics and treatment. 6. Conclusions