An Infant with Mediterranean Spotted Fever in Palestine: A Case Report

Oadi N. Shrateh^1, , Raneen R. Sweity¹ and Rabee S. Adwan²

¹Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine

²Infectious Diseases Unit, Makassed Charitable Society Hospital, East Jerusalem, Palestine

Cite this paper

Oadi N. Shrateh, Raneen R. Sweity and Rabee S. Adwan. An Infant with Mediterranean Spotted Fever in Palestine: A Case Report. American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2022; 10(9):235-238. doi: 10.12691/AJMCR-10-9-6

Abstract

Introduction: Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is an emerging and zoonotic disease caused by Rickettsia conorii. The main arthropod vector of this bacterium is Rhipicephalus sanguineus, also called “brown dog tick”. We report a 3-month-old infant affected by MSF as the first reported case of the condition in Palestine. Clinical report: in July 2022, a previously healthy 3-month-old child was admitted to the hospital due to fever, diffuse maculopapular rash and a black spot on his leg. Laboratory assessment revealed thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated liver enzymes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was positive for Rickettsia Conorii and a diagnosis MSF was ascertained. The patient was completely recovered with doxycycline treatment. Conclusion: Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is endemic in Africa, India, Europe and Mediterranean countries; including Palestine. In this case study, we affirm the significance of suspecting MSF in patients presenting with fever and rash even in those who stay in their homes apart from environments with high tick-exposure possibility.

Keywords

mediterranean spotted fever, Palestine, Rickettsia conorii, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, doxycycline

Copyright

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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