First Documentation of Rickettsia conorii Infection in a Traveler
Author Information
Author(s): Philippe Parola, Florence Fenollar, Sekene Badiaga, Philippe Brouqui, Didier Raoult
Primary Institution: Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, CHU Nord, Marseille, France
Hypothesis
This study documents the first serologically confirmed case of Rickettsia conorii infection in a traveler returning from India.
Conclusion
The case highlights the importance of recognizing Indian tick typhus as a potential infection in travelers returning from endemic areas.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient had a 4-day history of fever and other symptoms after returning from India.
- Serologic tests confirmed the presence of antibodies against Rickettsia conorii ITT.
- The infection was treated successfully with doxycycline.
Takeaway
A woman got sick after traveling to India, and doctors found out she had a rare infection from a tick bite.
Methodology
The case was diagnosed using serologic tests and Western blotting to identify the specific strain of Rickettsia.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
A 25-year-old woman from France.
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