Incidence of Mediterranean spotted fever in Sardinia in the years 1982-1984.
In this work the incidence of Mediterranean spotted fever in the Borough of Cagliari (Sardinia) over the years 1982-1984 is evaluated. Our data show both an overall decrease of the incidence of the disease during this period of time with respect to the year 1980 and a significant reduction in the last year. In addition, the present study confirms the greater reliability of Immunofluorescence respect to the Weil-Felix reaction in revealing Mediterranean spotted fever. Finally we show a marked incidence of significant anti-Rickettsia conori antibodies in apparently healthy individuals, which stresses the not uncommon occurrence of subclinical infection.
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology; D001907:Boutonneuse Fever / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D007558:Italy; D012281:Rickettsia / Q000276:immunology*
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D007136:Immunoglobulins