A case of Mediterranean spotted fever associated with severe respiratory distress syndrome

Microbes Infect. 2015 Nov-Dec;17(11-12):870-3. doi: 10.1016/j.micinf.2015.08.012. Epub 2015 Sep 3.

Abstract

Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is usually a mild endemic rickettsial disease occurring in southern Croatia. We have reported the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of an acute MSF case associated with severe respiratory distress syndrome and hemodynamical instability. The patient recovered completely after antimicrobial treatment. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (FOCUS Diagnostics Inc.) was performed to detect IgM and IgG antibodies to Rickettsia conorii. A significant increase of both IgM and IgG antibody titres found in paired acute- and convalescent-phase serum confirmed the diagnosis of acute MSF.

Keywords: Mediterranean spotted fever; Respiratory distress syndrome; Rickettsia conorii.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood*
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / immunology
  • Boutonneuse Fever / complications
  • Boutonneuse Fever / diagnosis
  • Boutonneuse Fever / drug therapy
  • Boutonneuse Fever / microbiology*
  • Ciprofloxacin / therapeutic use
  • Croatia
  • Doxycycline / therapeutic use
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Immunoglobulin M / immunology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / complications
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / microbiology*
  • Rickettsia conorii / drug effects
  • Rickettsia conorii / immunology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Doxycycline