Serological evidence for the presence of rickettsial infections in parts of Nigeria.
Weil-Felix tests using OX19 and OXK proteus antigens reveal high antibody titers to OXK and OX19 antigens in patients reporting at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu with clinical diagnosis of pyrexia of unknown origin. These findings suggest the presence of either or both scrub typhus fever and Epidemic typhus fever in this community. While the advisablility of using other diagnostic techniques to support and confirm positive Weil-Felix reaction will be useful, it is felt that the above findings are strong evidences for the prevalence of these diseases in this part of Nigeria.
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D009549:Nigeria; D012282:Rickettsia Infections / Q000276:immunology*
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial