Tick-borne encephalitis is an extremely dangerous neuroviral infection that is transmitted through tick bites (hence the name). For this disease of nature, fever, intoxication and severe damage to the central nervous system. Often the disease proceeds with irreversible consequences and even a lethal outcome.
Human immunoglobulin against tick-borne encephalitis
Immunoglobulin, used against tick-borne encephalitis, is a concentrated solution of human immunoglobulin, specifically isolated from the plasma of donors, whose blood contains a high level of antibodies to the virus. The drug is available in sealed ampoules, does not contain antibiotics and preservatives. As a stabilizer, aminoacetic acid is used in this medicine. The drug increases the body's resistance to tick-borne encephalitis virus and is used for its treatment and emergency prevention.
Introduction of immunoglobulin against tick-borne encephalitis
The drug is intended for intramuscular injection. For preventive purposes, the injection is done once, at a rate of 0.1 ml of serum per 1 kg of body weight. Repeated injection can be carried out after 4 weeks, if there is a danger of infection (finding a person who is not vaccinated in the area of infection). For medical purposes, the dosage and frequency of administration of the drug is determined by the physician.
The maximum concentration of the active substance in the blood comes in the period from 24 to 48 hours after the injection, and the time for the removal of antibodies from the body is about 4-5 weeks.
It should be noted that immunoglobulin is most effective if it is administered within the first 24 hours after a tick bite . The drug is considered to be quite effective when it comes to the initial stage of the disease, but it is not able to fight with lesions of the nervous system.
The maximum period during which the injection of an immunoglobulin is allowed is 96 hours (4 days) after a bite. If this period has expired, the injection of this drug can be done no earlier than 28 days. Violation of these rules can lead to complications and a more severe course of the disease.
Side effects of immunoglobulin against tick-borne encephalitis
After injection, local reactions can occur in the form of:
- redness and pain in the area of the injection;
- fever.
With the introduction of immunoglobulin, there is a high probability of allergic reactions , so the drug is usually used together with antihistamines, taking up to 8 days after the injection of the drug.
People with any allergic diseases (bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, etc.), or having a pronounced allergy of any nature, the introduction of immunoglobulin is contraindicated.