[Update on SENLAT syndrome: scalp eschar and neck lymph adenopathy after a tick bite]

Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2013 Oct;140(10):598-609. doi: 10.1016/j.annder.2013.07.014. Epub 2013 Aug 23.
[Article in French]

Abstract

SENLAT syndrome, also known as TIBOLA/DEBONEL, is an emerging disease in France. The major symptoms are necrotic eschar on the scalp associated with painful cervical lymphadenopathy. It occurs mainly in women and children during the cold seasons after a bite by a Dermacentor tick, responsible for transmitting Rickettsia slovaca or Rickettsia raoultii. Cutaneous swabs are safe, easy and reliable tools that should be used routinely by physicians to confirm diagnosis. In this particular disease, they should be preferred to serology, which is less sensitive. Doxycycline is the antibiotic of choice for this syndrome.

Keywords: Adénopathies cervicales; Cervical lymphadenopathy; Cutaneous swab; Dermacentor tick; Doxycycline; Escarre du cuir chevelu; Rickettsia spp.; Scalp eschar; Tiques Dermacentor; Écouvillon cutané.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arachnid Vectors / microbiology*
  • Azithromycin / therapeutic use
  • Bartonella Infections / diagnosis
  • Bartonella henselae / isolation & purification
  • Dermacentor / microbiology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Doxycycline / therapeutic use
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • France / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Josamycin / therapeutic use
  • Lyme Disease / diagnosis
  • Lymphatic Diseases / etiology*
  • Neck
  • Necrosis
  • Rickettsia / classification
  • Rickettsia / isolation & purification*
  • Rickettsia / pathogenicity
  • Rickettsia Infections / diagnosis
  • Rickettsia Infections / drug therapy
  • Rickettsia Infections / epidemiology
  • Rickettsia Infections / etiology*
  • Rickettsia Infections / pathology
  • Rickettsia Infections / transmission
  • Scalp Dermatoses / diagnosis
  • Scalp Dermatoses / drug therapy
  • Scalp Dermatoses / etiology*
  • Scalp Dermatoses / microbiology
  • Scalp Dermatoses / pathology
  • Species Specificity
  • Symptom Assessment
  • Syndrome
  • Tick Bites / complications*
  • Tick Bites / microbiology
  • Tick-Borne Diseases / diagnosis
  • Tick-Borne Diseases / drug therapy
  • Tick-Borne Diseases / etiology*
  • Tick-Borne Diseases / pathology
  • Zoonoses

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Azithromycin
  • Josamycin
  • Doxycycline