Murine typhus in Tunisia: A neglected cause of fever as a single symptom

作者：Znazen A^*; Hammami B; Ben Mustapha A; Chaari S; Lahiani D; Maaloul I; Ben Jemaa M; Hammami A

来源：Medecine et Maladies Infectieuses, 2013, 43(6): 226-229.

DOI：10.1016/j.medmal.2013.02.007

• Fever
• Murine typhus
• Rickettsiosis

Objectives. - We had for aim to describe the epiderniologic and clinic characteristics of murine typhus in a series of 43 serologically confirmed cases, in our region.
Patients and methods. - Serologic screening for IgG and IgM against Rickettsia typhi was performed in 1024 patients during three years (2006-2008). The characteristics of patients with a positive serology were examined retrospectively. One hundred and seventy sera obtained from blood donors were tested to detect IgG against R. typhi to determine the seroprevalenee of the infection.
Results. - There was evidence of recent R. typhi infection in 43 patients (4.2%) during the study period, and 3.7% of blood donors had IgG against R. typhi. The mean age of patients was 43.1 years and the sex-ratio was 1.04. Among the patients, 58.1% were from rural areas. No patient reported any exposure to rats or rat-fleas. There were more cases during the summer and fall. The most frequent complaint was fever as a single symptom (67.5%). A cutaneous rash was reported in 44.1% and headache in 60.5% of patients. Among the patients, 44.1% presented with thrombopenia and 47.2% with elevated liver enzymes.
Conclusion. - Murine typhus seems to be frequent in Tunisia. This infection could be a threat for travellers. Serology should be performed systematically in patients with fever as a single symptom since its clinical presentation is non-specific.

• 出版日期2013-6