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Published on: January 19, 2024
An update on spotted fever group serology in Kerman Province, Iran
Ali Qorbani1, Mohammad Khalili1, Saeidreza Nourollahifard1
1Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.
Abstract:
Rickettsia conorii is the causative agent of Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) and reports of its geographical distribution are spreading every day. Recently, some cases of the MSF have been reported from Iran. However, little information is available about the MSF epidemiology in Iran. The aim of the current study was to investigate anti-R. conorii IgG seroprevalence among farmers living in the rural regions of Kerman province (in southeastern Iran). In this study, 281 blood samples were collected from farmers in Zarand and Jiroft counties and tested for detection of anti-R. conorii IgG antibodies using the ELISA method. Among the 281 samples, 14 farmers (4.98%, CI 95%; 2.45-7.55%) had anti-R. conorii IgG antibodies. Seroprevalence of MSF in Zarand and Jiroft counties were 4.58% and 5.33%, respectively. The serological evidence of this study indicates the seroprevalence of R. conorii in rural areas of the Kerman province of Iran. So, it is recommended that the Iranian health care system pay attention to the MSF.
Insights
Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is spreading, with cases now reported in Iran. This study found Rickettsia conorii IgG antibodies in 4.98% of farmers in Kerman province, indicating MSF presence.
Area of Science:
- * Infectious Diseases
- * Epidemiology
- * Serology
Background:
- * Rickettsia conorii causes Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF), a disease with expanding geographical reports.
- * MSF cases have recently emerged in Iran, yet epidemiological data remains scarce.
- * Understanding MSF prevalence in rural Iranian populations is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To determine the seroprevalence of anti-Rickettsia conorii IgG antibodies in farmers in Kerman province, Iran.
- * To assess the presence of MSF in rural communities within southeastern Iran.
Main Methods:
- * A cross-sectional serological study was conducted.
- * 281 blood samples were collected from farmers in Zarand and Jiroft counties.
- * Anti-Rickettsia conorii IgG antibodies were detected using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method.
Main Results:
- * 14 out of 281 farmers (4.98%, 95% CI: 2.45-7.55%) tested positive for anti-Rickettsia conorii IgG antibodies.
- * Seroprevalence rates were 4.58% in Zarand and 5.33% in Jiroft counties.
- * These findings provide serological evidence of R. conorii exposure in the studied rural areas.
Conclusions:
- * The study confirms the seroprevalence of Rickettsia conorii in rural Kerman province, Iran.
- * These results highlight the need for increased awareness and attention to Mediterranean spotted fever by the Iranian healthcare system.
- * Further epidemiological investigations are warranted to understand the full scope of MSF in Iran.
