Abstract

SIHUINCHA M, Moisés; ANAYA F, Elizabeth; CARRANZA V, Victoria  and  DURAND V, Salomón. Serological evidence of spotted fever group-related Rickettsia transmission in the Peruvian Amazon jungle. Rev. perú. med. exp. salud publica [online]. 2006, vol.23, n.4, pp.284-287. ISSN 1726-4634.

Blood samples were taken from acutely ill febrile patients in health centers in Iquitos, the most densely populated city in Peruvian Amazon jungle, in order to prove the transmission of spotted fever group-related Rickettsia transmission. Samples were processed using indirect immunofluorescence for measuring total antibodies and specific IgG for the spotted fever group. Between January and July 2006, 250 patients had samples taken. 37% had positive IgG titers showing that these patients had contact with the agent; and out of them, nine were adjudicated as acute cases, where other endemic conditions were ruled out, such as dengue fever, malaria, and leptospirosis. Cases identified had a febrile illness with the following concomitant symptoms and signs: cough, skin rash, and hemoptysis. Four patients were hospitalized, two had severe illness, and one of them ultimately died. We conclude that there is evidence of spotted fever group-related Rickettsia circulation in the Peruvian Amazon jungle, so this condition should be taken into account as a differential diagnosis for acute febrile syndrome in this region.

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