Encephalitis: A rare complication of mediterranean spotted fever

Jorge Bastos Mendes; João Filipe Gomes; Tatiana Gonçalves; Bernardo Canhão; João Madaleno

doi:10.1016/j.idcr.2021.e01136

Encephalitis: A rare complication of mediterranean spotted fever

IDCases. 2021 Apr 27:24:e01136. doi: 10.1016/j.idcr.2021.e01136. eCollection 2021.

Authors

Jorge Bastos Mendes¹, João Filipe Gomes¹, Tatiana Gonçalves¹, Bernardo Canhão¹, João Madaleno¹

Affiliation

¹ Internal Medicine in Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Portugal.

Abstract

Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is an emerging zoonosis caused by Rickettsia conorii. The MSF typically presents with a triad of fever, generalized cutaneous rash and inoculation eschar, but its clinical spectrum may range from a mild febrile illness to a potentially life-threatening condition, being central nervous system involvement highly rare. We report the clinical case of a 63-year-old male patient with MSF complicated by acute encephalitis and multi-organic failure.

Keywords: Encephalitis; Mediterranean spotted fever; Ricketsia connori.

Publication types

Case Reports