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[Mediterranean spotted fever in north Dalmatia: is there a problem?]

Boris Dzelalija1, Alan Medić, Toni Lozancić

  • 1Odjel za lijejenje zaraznih bolesti, Opća bolnica Zadar, Medicinski fakultet Split. boris.dzelalija@zd.t-com.hr

Acta Medica Croatica : Casopis Hravatske Akademije Medicinskih Znanosti
|November 30, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is endemic in north Dalmatia, presenting with fever and rash. Early antibiotic treatment with doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, or azithromycin is effective for this rickettsial disease.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Rickettsial Infections
  • Clinical Medicine

Context:

  • Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is a significant tick-borne illness.
  • North Dalmatia has been identified as an endemic region for MSF.
  • Understanding MSF clinical and therapeutic aspects is crucial for public health.

Purpose:

  • To analyze the clinical and therapeutic characteristics of Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) in north Dalmatia.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of different antibiotic treatments for MSF.
  • To emphasize the importance of MSF in differential diagnosis.

Summary:

  • A study of 93 hospitalized MSF patients in north Dalmatia (1988-2000) revealed common symptoms: high fever (97.8%), maculopapular rash (95.7%), headaches (90.3%), arthralgia (80.6%), exhaustion (80.6%), and nausea (69.9%).
  • The pathognomonic sign, tache noire, was observed in 23.7% of patients. Frequently, diagnoses included febris cum exanthemate (46.2%) and rickettsiosis suspecta (22.6%).
  • Early antibiotic therapy showed high efficacy: doxycycline (79.1%), ciprofloxacin (71.4%), and azithromycin in children (77.8%).

Impact:

  • Highlights the endemic nature of MSF in north Dalmatia and its serious clinical manifestations.
  • Underscores the success of early and appropriate anti-rickettsial antibiotic therapy.
  • Stresses the need for physicians to be familiar with MSF for accurate differential diagnosis of febrile rash illnesses.

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