The disease that the Child Suffered From

The disease that the child was suffering from is called Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) which is prevalent in the south and central parts of the United States. It characterized by macular rash, fever, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The illness commences 5 to 7 days after a tick bite.

Probable Causative Organism

The probable organism that causes RMSF is the tick. When an infected tick bites the victim, it transfers a bacteria called Rickettsia rickettsii to the victim. The bacteria then spread through the body of the victim infecting various organs such as the kidney. The most common tick species that transmit RMSF is Dermacentor variabilis.

Causes of Death in this Disease

The disease is usually potentially fatal if it is not treated within five days after the onset of its symptoms. It is the most deadly tick-borne disease. The reason why it is potentially fatal is that it damages internal organs such as the heart and the kidney which are responsible for the most critical body functions.

How Ticks are Involved in this Disease

Ticks are involved in RMSF since they transmit Rickettsia rickettsii bacteria to humans. The ticks get the bacteria when they feed on infected animals’ blood or through a transovarial opening or fertilization. When they bite humans for a period of 6 hours to 10 hours, the bacteria is transmitted into human blood.

Other diseases in which Ticks are Involved

The main tick-borne diseases in the United States include anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Heartland virus (HRTV) disease, ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Borrelia miyamotoi infection, Colorado tick fever, tularemia, and bourbon virus disease.

Antibiotics used in this Case

Sulfa drugs: These drugs might increase the likelihood of death from RMSF.

Penicillin: This antibiotic has shown anti-rickettsial activity in body cells; however, it is clinically ineffective.

Doxycycline: This antibiotic is the most effective in preventing the development of severe complication if it is administered within five days of illness. It is recommended for children of below than eight years.

Immunofluorescence Essay

Immunofluorescence essay is a test used in the diagnosis of RMSF. It is useful in the detection of bacteria or antinuclear antibodies in clinical samples. It commonly used in the diagnosis of the disease in children. It diagnoses the disease if the Rickettsia rickettsii bacteria are detected from the test.