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Common Epidemiology of Rickettsia felis Infection and Malaria, Africa.
- Source :
- Emerging Infectious Diseases; Nov2013, Vol. 19 Issue 11, p1775-1783, 9p, 4 Charts, 1 Graph, 1 Map
- Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- This study aimed to compare the epidemiology of Rickettsia felis infection and malaria in France, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa and to identify a common vector. Blood specimens from 3,122 febrile patients and from 500 nonfebrile persons were analyzed for R. felis and Plasmodium spp. We observed a significant linear trend (p<0.0001) of increasing risk for R. felis infection. The risks were lowest in France, Tunisia, and Algeria (1%), and highest in rural Senegal (15%). Co-infections with R. felis and Plasmodium spp. and occurrences of R. felis relapses or reinfections were identified. This study demonstrates a correlation between malaria and R. felis infection regarding geographic distribution, seasonality, asymptomatic infections, and a potential vector. R. felis infection should be suspected in these geographical areas where malaria is endemic. Doxycycline chemoprophylaxis against malaria in travelers to sub-Saharan Africa also protects against rickettsioses; thus, empirical treatment strategies for febrile illness for travelers and residents in sub-Saharan Africa may require reevaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 10806040
- Volume :
- 19
- Issue :
- 11
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Emerging Infectious Diseases
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 91748798
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1911.130361