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Seroepidemiological study of Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia typhi, and Rickettsia conorii infection among the population of southern Spain

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Abstract

Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia conorii, the etiologic agents of, respectively, murine typhus and Mediterranean spotted fever, are recognized as frequent causes of fever of intermediate duration in southern Spain; in addition, in recent years Rickettsia felis has been detected in potential vectors in this area. Nevertheless, limited data exist regarding the actual prevalence of past infection due to these three pathogens. In the present study, the prevalence of past infection due to R. felis, R. typhi, and R. conorii was determined in a representative population of southern Spain during 2002. In addition, the possible risk factors associated with exposure to these pathogens were investigated. An epidemiological survey was completed by all subjects included in the study. Serum samples were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay. The prevalence of past infection due to R. felis, R. typhi, and R. conorii among the 504 total subjects was 6.5, 3.8 and 8.7%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, infection due to R. felis was independently associated with a high-risk occupation (one that required working outdoors in nature, close contact with domestic animals, or potential contact with rodents) (OR=5.8; 95%CI 2.1–15.6), while infection due to R. typhi was associated with older age (factor of 1.04 [95%CI 1.008–1.068]) and frequent insect bites (OR=10.3; 95%CI 2.3–45.5). Two factors were associated with infection due to R. conorii: a high-risk occupation (OR=9.3; 95%CI 3.7–23.2), and participation in outdoor activities (OR=7.2; 95%CI 1.4–38.5). The results confirm the widespread prevalence of past infection due to R. felis, R. typhi, and R. conorii in the population of southern Spain.

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Acknowledgements

This study has been financially supported by the Consejería de Salud, Junta de Andalucía, Spain. We are grateful to Dr. Didier Raoult and all professionals of the Unité de Rickettsies, Marseille, France, for their technical assistance.

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Author notes

  1. M. Bernabeu-Wittel

    Present address: Department of Internal Medicine, Hospitales Universitarios Virgen del Rocío, Avenida Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013, Seville, Spain

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospitales Universitarios Virgen del Rocío, Avenida Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013, Seville, Spain

    M. Bernabeu-Wittel & J. Pachón

  2. Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitarios Virgen Macarena, Avenida Dr. Fedriani s/n, 41009, Seville, Spain

    M. D. del Toro & M. A. Muniain

  3. Infectious Diseases Program, Corporació Sanitaria Parc Taulí, c/Parc Taulí s/n, 08208, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain

    M. M. Nogueras, N. Cardeñosa & F. Segura

  4. Faculty of Biology, University of Jaén, Paraje de las Lagunillas s/n, 23071, Jaen, Spain

    F. J. Márquez

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  1. M. Bernabeu-Wittel
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Correspondence to M. Bernabeu-Wittel.

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Bernabeu-Wittel, M., del Toro, M.D., Nogueras, M.M. et al. Seroepidemiological study of Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia typhi, and Rickettsia conorii infection among the population of southern Spain. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 25, 375–381 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-006-0147-6

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