[Autochthonous Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis in the Paranaense Forest, Misiones, Argentina]

Abstract

We report an autochthonous case of Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis occurred in June 2018 in a forested area of the Urugua-í Provincial Park, Misiones, Argentina. No previous records of this disease in humans have been previously reported in this region. The epidemiological, ecological, clinical, and laboratory features required for a proper diagnosis and adequate treatment are described here. The fact of considering rickettsiosis as a differential diagnosis in a patient with exanthematic acute febrile syndrome is highlighted, being the epidemiological history of exposure to the vector (ticks of the genus Amblyomma) an essential element.

Keywords: Enfermedades transmitidas por garrapatas; Fiebre manchada; Rickettsia parkeri; Spotted fever; Tick-borne disease; Zoonosis.