[Clinical approach and main tick-borne rickettsiosis present in Latin America]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Epidemiology

Context:

• Tick-borne rickettsial diseases are life-threatening infections with emerging and reemerging patterns in Latin America.
• Historically, Rickettsia rickettsia was the primary species; however, R. parkeri and R. massiliae now cause human disease.
• New Rickettsia species are being identified, posing potential, unconfirmed pathogenic risks.

Purpose:

• To review the distribution and clinical manifestations of tick-borne rickettsial diseases in Latin America.
• To highlight the increasing diversity of Rickettsia species causing human illness in the region.
• To address the role of Rickettsia felis, found in ticks, and its unclear vector status.

Summary:

• The review details the geographical spread and key clinical symptoms of tick-borne rickettsial diseases across Latin America.
• It emphasizes the diagnostic challenges, noting that microbiological confirmation can take weeks, underscoring the need for prompt clinical assessment and treatment.
• The emergence of new Rickettsia species and the potential role of R. felis are discussed.

Impact:

• Informing healthcare providers about the evolving landscape of rickettsial diseases in Latin America.
• Guiding clinical practice towards earlier diagnosis and treatment initiation for suspected rickettsioses.
• Highlighting the need for further research into newly identified Rickettsia species and their public health implications.