Sabina Špiliauskaitė ^{1, 2},  Violeta Stigienė ^{1, 2},  Jelena Volochovič ¹ 

¹Vilnius University Santaros Clinics, Obstetrics and gynaecology centre

²Vilnius University, Faculty of medicine

Abstract

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme disease, are the most common tick-borne diseases in Central and Eastern Europe.  Lately, tick-borne encephalitis morbidity has been increasing in Lithuania.  Tick-borne encephalitis can lead to long lasting neuropsychiatric consequences, while Lyme disease is a multisystemic disease which affects skin, internal organs and central nervous system.  Recent studies have proven that B. Burgdorferi can cross the placental barrier and reach the fetus. During the summer season, many pregnant women spend more time outdoors in the countryside, which leads to an increased risk to get infected with tick-borne diseases.   In view of this, it has become relevant that health care specialists do refresh their knowledge about these diseases.  Thus they can provide evidence-based information to their patients.  This article emphasizes clinical symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options, for women infected with tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. Preventive measures against the latter diseases are also discussed.

Keywords: Lyme disease, Tick-borne encephalitis, tick bites, vaccination, pregnancy.