Effect of exercise on tick bite laboratory evaluation in humans

Abstract

Background: Ticks are among the most significant blood-sucking arthropods worldwide. They transmit various pathogens that can cause diseases such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) and death in humans, domesticated animals, and wildlife. Health care workers exposed to the virus should be followed up with complete blood counts and biochemical tests for 14 days. The aim of this study was to investigate exercise associated with tick bite. Methods: This study included 35 healthy military personnel (mean age 22 ± 2) with tick bites received during outdoor military education (approximately 5 km per day military training, such as running). Results: Creatinine kinase levels and platelet, leukocyte, and lymphocyte counts were significantly higher on the day of the tick bite compared with the tenth day (P<0.001). Discussion: Tick bite laboratory evaluation may be affected by vigorous or weight-bearing exercise. This condition should be kept in mind.