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Published on: December 9, 2015
Spatial and temporal trends of Mediterranean spotted fever in Spain, 2005-2015
Adriana Romaní Vidal1, Beatriz Fernández-Martínez2, Zaida Herrador3
1Public Health and Preventive Medicine Service, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Ctra. Colmenar Viejo, Km. 9, 100, 28034, Madrid, Spain.
Background:
Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is a zoonotic disease caused by Rickettsia conorii and transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. The aim of this study is to understand the epidemiology and trends regarding the disease in Spain, based on notifications to the Spanish National Epidemiology Surveillance Network (RENAVE) and the National Hospital Discharge Database (CMBD) between 2005 and 2015.
Methods:
We carried out a retrospective cross-sectional study of the cases and the outbreaks reported to the RENAVE and of those found in the CMBD between January 1st, 2005 and December 31st, 2015. We studied the characteristics of the cases and analyzed their spatio-temporal distribution.
Results:
1603 cases notified to the RENAVE and 1789 cases registered in the CMBD were analyzed. The most affected group were men between 45 and 64. There were 8 MSF outbreaks during the study period. RENAVE registered lower rates until 2012, when it was decided that MSF in Spain would become a notifiable disease. Across the temporal series we saw that there was seasonality with an increase in cases in summer, and an overall upward trend according to the RENAVE data and descending according to the CMBD. The geographic distribution was heterogeneous throughout the territory, with maximum rates in La Rioja at 1.87 cases and 2.01 cases per 100,000 inhabitants according to the RENAVE and the CMBD, respectively.
Conclusions:
It is of great importance to continue monitoring the disease since it appears to be endemic throughout Spain. There is a need for a common strategy on monitoring and reporting, which would facilitate a more accurate picture on the MSF epidemiological scenario. Entomological information will be of added value.
Insights
Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is endemic in Spain, with most cases affecting men aged 45-64. Continued monitoring is crucial for understanding disease trends and implementing effective public health strategies for this Rickettsia conorii infection.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is a zoonotic disease caused by Rickettsia conorii.
- Transmission occurs via Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks.
- Understanding MSF epidemiology in Spain is vital for public health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiology and trends of Mediterranean spotted fever in Spain.
- To assess disease patterns using national surveillance and hospital discharge data.
- To identify demographic and spatio-temporal characteristics of MSF cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cross-sectional study.
- Analysis of data from the Spanish National Epidemiology Surveillance Network (RENAVE) and National Hospital Discharge Database (CMBD) from 2005-2015.
- Investigation of case characteristics and spatio-temporal distribution.
Main Results:
- 1603 cases from RENAVE and 1789 from CMBD were analyzed.
- Men aged 45-64 were the most affected demographic.
- Seasonal increases in summer were observed, with heterogeneous geographic distribution and highest rates in La Rioja.
Conclusions:
- MSF appears endemic throughout Spain, necessitating ongoing surveillance.
- A unified strategy for monitoring and reporting is needed for accurate epidemiological assessment.
- Incorporating entomological data would enhance understanding of MSF dynamics.
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