Spotted Fever
Spotted Fever Causes
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by Rickettsia rickettsi while Mediterranean spotted fever is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia conorii.
Spotted Fever Definition
Spotted fever can refer to two types which are Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Mediterranean spotted fever. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a bacterial disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsi, which are transmitted by ticks. Mediterranean spotted fever is a bacterial disease caused by Rickettsia conorii usually transmitted by ticks of dogs known as Rhipicephalus sanguineus. It is widespread among countries located along the Mediterranean Sea.
Spotted Fever Diagnosis
Diagnosis can be established by means of the triad of findings for the disease which are fever, rash and history of tick bite. Culture of body fluids like urine and sputum, CBC and other tests used to trace evidence of infection can help in providing diagnosis for spotted fever.
Spotted Fever Symptoms and Signs
Characteristic features of the disease include high fever, chills, muscle and joint pain, severe headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, lack of appetite, and sensitivity to light. Later symptoms will include the appearance of a characteristic rash during the fourth day of illness, first presented as macular, then maculopapular, which can sometimes be petechial.
Spotted Fever Treatment
Appropriate antibiotic treatment with Doxycycline and Chloramphenicol is the treatment for spotted fever. Prompt applicable treatment should be initiated until diagnosis is confirmed through laboratory tests.