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07:23
Detection of Infectious Virus from Field-collected Mosquitoes by Vero Cell Culture Assay
Published on: June 9, 2011
Rickettsioses in Swedish travellers, 1997-2001
Adnan Rahman1, Anders Tegnell, Sirkka Vene
1Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control, Solna, Sweden.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|July 4, 2003
Summary
Rickettsioses, including typhus and spotted fever groups, pose a risk to travelers. Southern Africa presents a higher risk, necessitating consideration of rickettsiosis in febrile travelers.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Travel Medicine
Background:
- Rickettsioses are bacterial infections transmitted by arthropods.
- Two main groups exist: typhus and spotted fever groups.
- Laboratory records from Sweden (1997-2001) provided case data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence and risk factors of rickettsioses in Sweden.
- To estimate the risk of rickettsioses for international travelers.
- To highlight rickettsiosis as a differential diagnosis for febrile travelers.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 77 rickettsiosis cases diagnosed in Sweden (1997-2001).
- Categorization into typhus (14 cases) and spotted fever (63 cases) groups.
- Utilized a commercial tourist database to estimate travel exposure and infection risk.
Main Results:
- Hepatic involvement was more common in the typhus group.
- Estimated risk varied by destination: 1 in 140,000 to Southeast Asia, 1 in 1600 to Southern Africa.
- Risk in Southern Africa increased significantly over the study period.
Conclusions:
- Rickettsiosis is a significant concern for travelers, particularly from Southern Africa.
- Consider rickettsiosis in febrile travelers, especially those returning from endemic areas.
- Delayed serological response necessitates repeat testing; empirical treatment may be required.
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