Rickettsia typhi seroprevalence among patients with unexplained acute fever at the Sourô Sanou University Hospital Center (SSUHC), Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-IgG antibodies against Rickettsia typhi among patients with unexplained acute fever (UAF) at the Sourô Sanou University Hospital (CHUSS) in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted from July to October 2025. A total of 87 patients with UAF were enrolled. The diagnostic protocol systematically included blood cultures and ELISA for the detection of anti-R. typhi IgG antibody. The diagnostic protocol included routine screening for malaria and dengue fever, as well as blood cultures. ELISA was performed only if the initial tests were negative. RESULTS: The overall anti-R. typhi IgG antibody seroprevalence was 12.64% (12/87). The 30–45-year age group was the most represented (25.29%). Farmers and housemaids were the most exposed (18.2%). Clinically, chills and headaches were the most frequent symptoms (18.2%). Regarding risk factors, 54.5% of seropositive patients were reported living in proximity to animals or arthropod habitats. While 92% of blood cultures were negative, a statistically significant association was observed between serological and blood culture results (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings confirm the circulation of Rickettsia typhi in Bobo-Dioulasso, highlighting murine typhus as a potential cause of unexplained acute fever. However, the detection of anti- R. typhi IgG antibody can indicate past exposure; further studies using molecular technique or paired-sera analysis are essential to confirm acute cases and accurately assess the disease burden in Burkina Faso. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.