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The Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Spotted Fever Group and Typhus Group Rickettsia Along the Texas-Mexico Border

Frederick M Cramer1, Lauren M Leining1, Timothy A Erickson1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|March 11, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This study found a higher prevalence of typhus group Rickettsia (TGR) than spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) in Starr County, Texas. Both Rickettsia types are endemic along the Texas-Mexico border.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Rickettsial pathogens, including spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) and typhus group Rickettsia (TGR), are significant endemic and emergent disease threats.
  • Historically high transmission rates of Rickettsia species are observed along the United States-Mexico border.
  • Understanding the seroprevalence and risk factors for these infections is crucial for public health in border regions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the seroprevalence of SFGR and TGR among adults in Starr County, Texas.
  • To identify potential risk factors associated with Rickettsia seropositivity in this population.
  • To contribute to the understanding of Rickettsia endemicity along the Texas-Mexico border.

Main Methods:

  • A seroprevalence study was conducted on 616 adult residents of Starr County, Texas.
  • Plasma samples were screened for IgG reactivity to SFGR and TGR using commercial ELISA.
  • Positive ELISA results were confirmed via dual-spot IgG indirect immunofluorescence assay with a seropositivity threshold of ≥1:128 titer.

Main Results:

  • The study identified a seroprevalence of 4.6% for SFGR and 10.9% for TGR.
  • A 2.0% seroprevalence was found for unspecified Rickettsia.
  • Analysis was performed to assess risk factors linked to seropositivity, though specific factors were not detailed in the abstract.

Conclusions:

  • The findings indicate a higher seroprevalence of TGR compared to SFGR in the studied population.
  • Both SFGR and TGR are confirmed as endemic pathogens along the Texas-Mexico border.
  • This study underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance and research into Rickettsial diseases in border communities.

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