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. 2020 Dec;26(12):3048-3050.
doi: 10.3201/eid2612.200388.

Human Rickettsiosis Caused by Rickettsia parkeri Strain Atlantic Rainforest, Urabá, Colombia

Margarita Arboleda, Leidy Y Acevedo-Gutiérrez, Alejandra Ávila, Dairo Ospina, Francisco J Díaz, David H Walker, Juan D Rodas

Human Rickettsiosis Caused by Rickettsia parkeri Strain Atlantic Rainforest, Urabá, Colombia

Margarita Arboleda et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

We describe the clinical, serologic, and molecular findings of a new human rickettsiosis in Colombia. Antibodies against Rickettsia spp. were detected. PCR showed amplification of genes for R. parkeri strain Atlantic Rainforest. This new rickettsiosis of minor virulence could explain some of the undifferentiated acute febrile diseases in Colombia.

Keywords: Colombia; Rickettsia parkeri; bacteria; emerging diseases; febrile syndrome; rickettsia; tickborne diseases; tropical medicine.

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Figures

Figure
Figure
Eschar of inoculation and lymphadenopathy in patient with febrile syndrome caused by a strain of Rickettsia parkeri, Colombia. A) A 1 .3 × 1.6 cm eschar with an erythematous halo is present at the site of a tick bite above the left iliac crest. B) A closer view reveals a brown-black crust and a collarette of desquamation. C) Distended skin overlying enlarged draining lymph nodes, 3.5 cm in length, is visible in the left inguinal region.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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