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Murine typhus in the homeless.

Sékéné Badiaga¹, Samir Benkouiten, Hind Hajji

¹Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Marseille, France.

Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

|November 19, 2011

Summary

Homeless individuals in Marseille face a growing risk of murine typhus. This flea-borne disease, caused by Rickettsia typhi, shows increasing seroprevalence in this vulnerable population due to poor living conditions and increased rodent exposure.

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Area of Science:

Epidemiology
Infectious Diseases
Public Health

Background:

Homeless populations are disproportionately vulnerable to vector-borne diseases.
Poor living conditions exacerbate exposure risks in this demographic.
Murine typhus (Rickettsia typhi) is a significant public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess the seroprevalence of Rickettsia typhi antibodies in homeless individuals in Marseille.
To compare current seroprevalence rates with historical data.
To identify trends and potential risk factors for murine typhus exposure in this population.

Main Methods:

Sera from 299 homeless individuals in Marseille (2010-2011) were tested for Rickettsia typhi antibodies.
Microimmunofluorescence assay with a 1:25 cut-off titer was used.
Positive results were confirmed by Western blot and cross-adsorption studies.

Main Results:

Sixty-three individuals (22%) tested positive for Rickettsia typhi antibodies.
A significant increase in murine typhus seroprevalence was observed compared to 2000-2003.
This indicates a heightened exposure risk for the homeless population.

Conclusions:

The homeless population in Marseille shows a concerning increase in exposure to flea-borne murine typhus.
Factors such as increased waste, construction, and poor living conditions likely contribute to rodent and flea exposure.
Continued annual monitoring of rodent-associated diseases in this population is recommended.