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[Mediterranean Spotted Fever: epidemiological Assessment in Spain during the Period 2009-2012]
Background:
The Mediterranean Spotted Fever (MSF) is a zoonosis, produced by Rickettsia conorii whose vector is Rhipicephallus sanguineus. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology in Spain and its Autonomous Communities (AA.CC) and the average cost during the period 2009-2012.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients, between 2009-2012, whose diagnostic at hospital discharge was encoded, according to the International Classification of Diseases 9th revision Clinical Modification (ICD-9CM) as 82.1 (MSF). The information was collected through the minimum basic data set. Incidence rates of the disease were calculated in Spain and its Autonomous Communities. The fStats software was used for comparison of rates based on age, sex, annual, seasonal and AA.CC's distribution. The average cost (in euros) was calculated according to the state standard.
Results:
The incidence rate was 0,36 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and year during 2009-2012, with 667 admissions. The highest incidence was obtained in Ceuta and La Rioja with an incidence of 1,9 and 1,87 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year. No cases were detected in Cantabria nor Canarias. The relative risk male female was 2:1 (p value<0,05). The predominant age group was over 55 years (327 cases). The months with the most cases were from June to September (466 cases), producing a peak in the number of cases in August (137 cases). The mortality rate was 0,3%. The average cost was 4.647,205 .
Conclusion:
The incidence of MSF was low, with a heterogeneous geographical distribution and with higher frequency during the month of August. Patients of all ages were detected, predominantly for males over 55 years old. The hospital mortality rate was small.
Insights
Mediterranean Spotted Fever (MSF) is rare in Spain, with higher incidence in Ceuta and La Rioja. The study found MSF predominantly affects males over 55, peaking in August, with a low mortality rate.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Mediterranean Spotted Fever (MSF) is a zoonotic disease caused by Rickettsia conorii, transmitted by the Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick.
- Understanding MSF epidemiology in Spain is crucial for public health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology of MSF in Spain and its Autonomous Communities (AA.CC) between 2009 and 2012.
- To determine the average healthcare cost associated with MSF during the study period.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective observational study utilizing hospital discharge data (ICD-9CM 82.1) from 2009-2012.
- Analysis of incidence rates across Spain and its AA.CC, stratified by age, sex, season, and geographical distribution.
- Calculation of average hospital costs based on state standards.
Main Results:
- The overall incidence rate was 0.36 cases per 100,000 inhabitants annually, with 667 admissions.
- Ceuta and La Rioja showed the highest incidence rates (1.9 and 1.87 per 100,000, respectively); no cases were reported in Cantabria or Canarias.
- The disease predominantly affected males over 55, with a peak incidence in August, and a low mortality rate of 0.3%. Average cost was €4,647.21.
Conclusions:
- MSF incidence in Spain is low but geographically heterogeneous, with a seasonal peak in August.
- Males over 55 represent the primary demographic affected by MSF.
- The study highlights a low hospital mortality rate for MSF.
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