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Current tools for the diagnosis and detection of spotted fever group Rickettsia
Nurul Aini Husin1, Sazaly AbuBakar2, Jing Jing Khoo3
1Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre, Level 2, High Impact Research Building, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Institute for Advanced Studies, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae causes a number of diseases in humans worldwide, which can range from mild to highly lethal. Since the clinical presentations of rickettsioses caused by SFG rickettsiae are variable and may be similar to the diseases caused by other rickettsiae, such as Orientia tsutsugamushi (agent for scrub typhus), Coxiella burnetii (agent for Q fever) and the typhus group rickettsiae (agents for epidemic and murine typhus), the accurate diagnosis of infections caused by SFG Rickettsia remains challenging especially in resource-poor settings in developing countries. This review summarizes the various diagnostic and detection tools that are currently available for the confirmation of infections by SFG rickettsiae. The advantages and challenges pertaining to the different serological and molecular detections methods, as well as new assays in development, are discussed. The utility of the detection tools contributing to the surveillance of SFG rickettsiae in arthropods and animals are reviewed.
Insights
Accurate diagnosis of Spotted Fever Group (SFG) rickettsiae infections is challenging due to varied symptoms and similar diseases. This review covers current and emerging diagnostic tools for SFG rickettsiae detection and surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Spotted Fever Group (SFG) rickettsiae cause diverse human diseases globally, ranging from mild to fatal.
- Accurate diagnosis is difficult due to overlapping clinical presentations with other rickettsial diseases like scrub typhus and Q fever, especially in resource-limited areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review available diagnostic and detection tools for SFG rickettsiae infections.
- To discuss the advantages and challenges of current serological and molecular diagnostic methods.
- To explore emerging assays and their utility in surveillance of SFG rickettsiae in vectors and animal hosts.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of diagnostic techniques for SFG rickettsiae.
- Analysis of serological and molecular detection methods.
- Evaluation of new assay development and surveillance applications.
Main Results:
- Various diagnostic tools exist, each with specific benefits and limitations.
- Serological and molecular methods are key for confirmation, but challenges remain in implementation.
- New assays are under development to improve sensitivity, specificity, and accessibility.
Conclusions:
- Improved diagnostic strategies are crucial for effective management and control of SFG rickettsiae infections.
- The review highlights the need for accessible and accurate diagnostic tools, particularly in developing countries.
- Enhanced surveillance using these tools in arthropods and animals is vital for understanding transmission dynamics.
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