Abstract
Murine typhus is a flea-borne disease caused by Rickettsia typhi, which was first detected in Mexico in 1927. It was not until 1996 that the first systematized study involving this pathogen was conducted in two coastal states of Mexico. We now report the first confirmed case of murine typhus in the state of Campeche, which occurred in a male patient who exhibited fever, thrombocytopenia, hyperbilirubinemia, and a rash. Furthermore, the patient reported having had previous contact with Rickettsia reservoirs.
Highlights
The genus Rickettsia comprises 33 species, which are transmitted to vertebrates by hematophagous arthropods such as ticks, mites, sucking lice, and fleas[1]
The patient described in this study presented a prodromal phase similar to other illnesses, including the presence of thrombocytopenia and hyperbilirubinemia, likewise abnormal values of liver enzymes indicating mild hepatic damage
Due to the initial suspicion of leptospirosis, he was treated with ceftriaxone and doxycycline, and since doxycycline is recommended for the treatment of rickettsial infections[9], the patient began to recover by the fourth day of treatment
Summary
The genus Rickettsia comprises 33 species, which are transmitted to vertebrates by hematophagous arthropods such as ticks, mites, sucking lice, and fleas[1]. In Mexico, murine typhus caused by R. typhi and transmitted mainly by the rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis)[2] was first reported in 19273. It was not until 1996 that a systematized study of rickettsiosis was carried out, recording the first cases in Yucatan and Jalisco. Since the leptospirosis test results were negative, and the patient reported having rats in his home and having a ferret as a pet, rickettsiosis was suspected. On the second day of hospitalization, a blood sample was obtained to isolate DNA that was sent to the Experimental Medicine Unit of the National Autonomous University of Mexico and a PCR test for Rickettsia was done. An indirect immunofluorescence serology test was performed, showing Rickettsia typhi IgM and IgG titers of 1:256 (both), likewise Rickettsia rickettsii IgM and IgG titers of 1:32 and 1:64, respectively
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