Abstract
IntroductionMediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is a zoonotic disease caused by Rickettsia conorii. In Spain, deficiencies in the official reporting result in misreporting of this disease. This study aims to describe the clinical and temporal-spatial characteristics of MSF hospitalizations between 1997 and 2014.Materials and methodsWe performed a retrospective descriptive study using the Hospitalization Minimum Data Set (CMBD). All CMBD’s hospital discharges with ICD-9 CM code 082.1 were analyzed. Hospitalization rates were calculated and clinical characteristics were described. Spatial distribution of cases and their temporal behavior were also assessed.ResultsA total of 4,735 hospitalizations with MSF diagnosis were recorded during the study period, out of which 62.2% were male, mean age of 48. Diabetes mellitus, alcohol dependence syndrome, and chronic liver disease occurred in 10.8%, 2.4% and 2.8% hospitalizations, respectively. The median annual hospitalization rate showed a decreasing trend from a maximum of 12.9 in 1997 to a minimum rate of 3.1 in 2014. Most admissions occurred during the summer, showing a significant annual seasonal behavior. Important regional differences were found.DiscussionAlthough MSF hospitalization rates have decreased considerably, it remains a public health problem due to its severity and economic impact. Therefore, it would be desirable to improve its oversight and surveillance.
Highlights
Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is a zoonotic disease caused by Rickettsia conorii
Data are hosted by the Ministry of Health Social Services and Equality (MSSSI)
A total of 4,735 hospitalizations with MSF diagnosis were recorded during the study period, out of which 62.2% were male, mean age of 48
Summary
Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is a zoonotic disease caused by Rickettsia conorii. Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF), or ‘boutonneuse’ fever, is caused by Rickettsia conorii and is transmitted by the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus. This tick is relatively host-specific, and rarely feeds on people unless its preferred host—the dog—is not available [1]. It was first described in 1910 as a disease that caused high fever and spots [2]. The eruption is papulovesicular; this form is more common in adults in Africa. The only symptom is an isolated lymphadenopathy [2,3]
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