[Rickettsioses of the spotted fever-group]

Abstract

Rickettsioses are among the most frequent causes of febrile diseases in travelers, as shown in several studies in the last years. Furthermore, since 1991, with the introduction of new testing methods, 8 new Rickettsia species (or new diseases) have been described. Typical symptoms of rickettsial infections are high fever, headaches and myalgias, frequently associated with a rash and/or an inoculation eschar ("tache noire") at the site of tick bite. The rapid recognition of a rickettsiosis and the immediate start of appropriate antibiotic therapy are important because some rickettsioses (e. g. the Rocky Mountain spotted fever) are associated with relevant morbidity and mortality. This paper reviews the spotted fever group rickettsioses.