[Nine cases of imported Malta fever in Basle]

Report on 9 cases of Malta fever seen in Basle, Switzerland, in the first three months of 1980. In contrast to previous reports in the literature, positive blood cultures were found in 8 of the 9 patients. All were infected by direct contact with sheep and the clinical picture was classified in all cases. Therapy with Doxycyclin led to rapid improvement. No severe complications were observed. In the light of these cases the epidemiology, clinical picture, possible complications and therapy of this disease are discussed.