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Rickettsia conorii subsp. israelensis infection: a case report from southeast Iran
Mina Latifian1,2, Mohammad Khalili3, Mehrdad Farrokhnia4
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is a zoonotic and vector-borne disease caused by Rickettsia conorii. We report a case (36 year-old-woman) of MSF caused by Rickettsia conorii from Iran.
Case Presentation:
In September 2019, the patient was admitted to the hospital in Kerman province with flu-like symptoms and maculopapular lesions. According to the laboratory results, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, and cardiac enzymes were observed. Skin biopsy was examined for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) and MSF using the Real-Time-PCR and ELISA method. Finally, the sample was positive for Rickettsia conorii subsp. israelensis and treated with doxycycline and completely recovered.
Conclusions:
This study showed that MSF could be present in Iran. Therefore, identifying endemic areas in Iran for this disease should be on the agenda.
Insights
Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF), caused by Rickettsia conorii, is reported in Iran. Early diagnosis and doxycycline treatment led to a full recovery in a 36-year-old woman.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Vector-Borne Illnesses
- Rickettsial Infections
Background:
- Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is a zoonotic disease transmitted by ticks, caused by Rickettsia conorii.
- This report details the first documented case of MSF in Iran.
Observation:
- A 36-year-old woman presented with flu-like symptoms and maculopapular rash.
- Laboratory findings included thrombocytopenia and elevated liver and cardiac enzymes.
- Diagnostic tests confirmed Rickettsia conorii subsp. israelensis.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with MSF based on clinical presentation and laboratory results.
- Real-Time-PCR and ELISA confirmed Rickettsia conorii subsp. israelensis infection.
- The patient received doxycycline treatment and experienced a complete recovery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the presence of MSF in Iran, expanding its known geographical distribution.
- Further research is needed to identify endemic regions for MSF within Iran.
- Awareness and diagnostic capabilities for MSF should be enhanced in the region.
