A rickettsia infection from Saudi Arabia

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Tick-borne Illnesses
• Public Health

Background:

• Spotted fever group (SFG) infections are transmitted by ticks and are prevalent in various regions.
• Rickettsia vectors and human seroprevalence studies indicate potential for SFG in Oman and Saudi Arabia.
• Despite potential vectors, SFG is infrequently reported in Arab Gulf countries.

Observation:

• A young patient presented with fever, headache, maculopapular rash, and an eschar post-tick bite.
• Serological tests confirmed an acute spotted fever group (SFG) infection.
• The patient showed a significant clinical improvement with doxycycline therapy.

Findings:

• This case represents the first reported instance of SFG infection acquired within Saudi Arabia.
• The clinical presentation and laboratory results are consistent with a rickettsial infection.
• Prompt antibiotic treatment with doxycycline led to a rapid recovery.

Implications:

• SFG infections should be considered in the differential diagnosis of febrile illnesses, especially with a history of tick exposure.
• This case underscores the importance of recognizing tick-borne diseases in regions where they are considered rare.
• Further surveillance and awareness are needed to understand the true burden of SFG in the Arab Gulf region.