Mediterranean-spotted fever: clinical and laboratory characteristics of 34 children in Oran (Algeria).

INTRODUCTION

Mediterranean-spotted fever (MSF) is endemic in the Mediterranean basin. The aim of our study is to describe clinical and laboratory characteristics of MSF in Algeria.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 34 children suffering from MSF hospitalized from 2002 to 2005. Diagnosis and outcome data were abstracted from patient medical reports. The serological confirmation was obtained by immunofluorescent antibody.

RESULTS

All the children were hospitalized during summer time. The median age was 4.5 years. The sex ratio in the children was 0.76. Clinical features were high fever, maculopapulous rash and black eschar. Among analytical findings, leucocyte count was decreased in 50% of children during the first week of illness. The indirect immunofluorescence for Rickettsia conorii was positive in 70% of cases in the second determination. All received antimicrobial therapy. All children cured without complications.

CONCLUSION

MSF is a mild rickettsial disease in Algeria.