Introduction: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a neurotropic, tick-transmitted infection. Clinical presentation ranges from mild aseptic meningitis to severe encephalitis, and may result in long-term neurological sequels.
Objective: The aim of the study is to present the clinical features of TBE in children, and the laboratory findings, in order to identify neurological sequels and the risk of cognitive deficits in long-term TBE infections.
Material and methods: The study included eight children with serologically-confirmed TBE, hospitalized in the Paediatric Centre in Kielce, Poland.
Results: Despite the more benign clinical course of TBE infections in children compared to adults, the potential for long-term cognitive sequels can be serious. It is hypothesized that a developing CNS is more susceptible to long-term infection effects.
Conclusions: Paediatric TBE should be considered in children with unexplained acute CNS-related symptoms. The long-term consequences may occur with permanent impairment of the quality of life due to neurological consequences.
Keywords: central nervous system; cognitive deficits; meningitis; tick-borne encephalitis; vaccination.