The Presence of Eschars, but Not Greater Severity, in Portuguese Patients Infected with Israeli Spotted Fever

• DOI: 10.1196/annals.1355.032
• Publication Date: 2006-02-15T19:58:18Z
• Authors: RITA DE SOUSA; NAHED ISMAIL; SÓNIA DÓRIA‐NÓBREGA; PEDRO COSTA; TIAGO ABREU; ANA FRANÇA; MÁRIO AMARO; PAULA PROENÇA; PAULA BRITO; JOSÉ POÇAS; TERESA RAMOS; GRAÇA CRISTINA; GRAÇA POMBO; LILIANA VITORINO; JORGE TORGAL; FÁTIMA BACELLAR; DAVID WALKER
• Keywords: Eschar; Strain (injury); Rickettsia conorii

In Portugal, Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is caused by R. conorii Malish and Israeli (ISF) strains. It has been suggested that the ISF strain isolated from patients with MSF causes different clinical manifestations compared to those strain, namely absence of eschar greater severity. The aim this study was analyze presence or fatality in Portuguese infected either strain. Of 94 a diagnosis between 1994 2004, 47 were Eschars reported 20 (49%) 17 (39%) not statistically associated extent (P=0.346). A total 22 died, 9 13 no significant difference found (P=0.330). This showed concepts severity infection should be revised.