[Rickettsiosis is a neglected cause of fever in returned travellers].
We present two cases of rickettsial infections in travellers caused by Rickettsia typhi and R. africae respectively. The two cases illustrate the widely varying symptomatology and aetiology. Incidence and treatment of the disease are discussed. The diagnosis is complex, and we believe that rickettsiosis is an underestimated cause of fever in returned travellers from the tropics. In the past two years only 26 cases have been diagnosed in Denmark. Whenever rickettsiosis is clinically suspected, empiric treatment with doxycycline should be initiated.
Infektionsmedicinsk Afdeling Q, Aarhus Universitetshospital, Skejby, Brendstrupgårdsvej 100, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark. line-kibsgaard@hotmail.com
Line
L
Kibsgaard
Jens
J
Lindberg
Steen
S
Villumsen
Carsten Schade
CS
Larsen
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005334:Fever / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010679:Philippines; D010976:Platelet Count; D012282:Rickettsia Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D012286:Rickettsia typhi / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013019:South Africa; D017282:Tick-Borne Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D013987:Ticks / Q000382:microbiology; D014195:Travel
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D004318:Doxycycline