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Not only 'Flinders Island' spotted fever.
Nathan B Unsworth1, John Stenos, Alistair R McGregor
1The Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, The Geelong Hospital, Victoria, Australia. nathanu@barwonhealth.org.au
Pathology
|September 24, 2005
Summary
Flinders Island spotted fever (FISF), caused by Rickettsia honei, is now confirmed in mainland south-east Australia, not just Flinders Island. This finding expands the known geographic range of this tick-borne illness.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Entomology
- Public Health
Background:
- Flinders Island spotted fever (FISF) is a rickettsial infection caused by Rickettsia honei.
- Previously, FISF was believed to be endemic only to Flinders Island, Tasmania.
Observation:
- This study identified three new cases of FISF outside of Flinders Island.
- Cases were detected on Schouten Island, Tasmania, and in McLaren Vale and Goolwa, South Australia.
Findings:
- Rickettsia honei, the causative agent of FISF, has a broader distribution in south-east Australia than previously recognized.
- The geographical spread of FISF likely mirrors that of its vector, the reptile tick Aponomma hydrosauri.
Implications:
- FISF should be considered in the differential diagnosis for febrile illnesses with rash in patients from south-eastern Australia, especially after a tick bite.
- The expanded distribution highlights the need for increased awareness and diagnostic consideration of FISF in the region.