Dutton’s relapsing fever [Joseph E. Dutton, English pathologist, 1877–1905] , an infection caused by a spirochete, Borrelia duttonii, which is transmitted by a soft tick, Ornithodoros moubata, found in human dwellings in tropical Africa. Also called African relapsing fever, tick-borne relapsing fever. See also relapsing fever. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: The spirochete enters the lesion through a tick bite, characteristically producing a high fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, headache, joint and muscle pain, vomiting, and neurological disorders. The symptoms recur in a pattern of remissions and peaks of fever and other effects. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Treatment with tetracycline is usually effective in curing the infection. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: The infection is spread through the community as ticks bite infected people, thereby acquiring the spirochete for inoculation in others.
