title: Early diagnosis of severe Mediterranean spotted fever cases by nested-PCR detecting spotted fever Rickettsiae 17-kD common antigen gene.
abstract: We describe 3 cases of Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) who presented with severe sepsis, in 2 of which the clinical diagnosis was unclear at presentation. In each case the diagnosis of MSF was made using a nested-PCR assay for Rickettsia conorii 17-kD protein gene. The nested-PCR based diagnosis preceded the serological results of MSF that were all negative at admission. The early diagnosis of MSF by specific PCR will facilitate an early institution of appropriate therapy, saving unnecessary tests and medications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine B, Kaplan Medical Centre, Rehovot, Israel. Ergaz@clalit.org.il
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ergas
authors.forename: Zev M
authors.initials: ZM
authors.lastname: Sthoeger
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zev Sthoeger
authors.forename: Avi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Keysary
authors.forename: Carmela
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Strenger
authors.forename: Moshe
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Leitner
authors.forename: Oren
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Zimhony