Marseilles fever

Marseilles Fever

Marseilles Fever, also known as Boutonneuse fever, is a fever as a result of a Rickettsia conorii infection, transmitted by the bite of a tick. The disease was first identified in the Mediterranean region, but it has been reported in many areas around the world.

Etiology

Marseilles Fever is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia conorii, a member of the Rickettsiaceae family. This bacterium is a Gram-negative intracellular pathogen, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick, primarily the Rhipicephalus sanguineus.

Clinical Features

The disease typically begins with a sudden onset of fever, headache, and muscle aches, followed by a rash that appears 2-5 days after the onset of fever. The rash typically begins on the extremities and spreads to the trunk. A characteristic feature of Marseilles Fever is a black, necrotic skin lesion, known as an eschar, at the site of the tick bite.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Marseilles Fever is based on clinical symptoms and confirmed by laboratory tests. The most common laboratory test is the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), which detects antibodies to Rickettsia conorii in the patient's blood.

Treatment

Treatment for Marseilles Fever is typically with doxycycline, a type of tetracycline antibiotic. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

Prevention

Prevention of Marseilles Fever involves avoiding tick bites, particularly in areas where the disease is known to occur. This can be achieved by wearing long sleeves and trousers, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after being in tick-infested areas.

See Also

• Tick-borne diseases
• Rickettsial diseases
• Mediterranean spotted fever