Boutonneuse fever

Boutonneuse fever is a fever as a result of a rickettsial infection caused by the bacterium Rickettsia conorii and transmitted by the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The disease was first described in Tunisia in 1910 and is found throughout the countries of the Mediterranean basin, the Indian subcontinent, and sub-Saharan Africa.

Symptoms and signs

Boutonneuse fever is characterized by a fever that lasts for three to seven days, severe headache, muscle pain, and a characteristic rash. The rash, which usually appears on the third day of illness, initially consists of small red spots that may later become small blisters. A black crust (the "tache noire") forms at the site of the tick bite. The disease is usually mild, but severe complications such as meningitis, hepatitis, and pneumonia can occur.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of boutonneuse fever is based on the patient's symptoms and history of tick exposure. Laboratory tests can confirm the diagnosis. These tests include serology, which detects antibodies to Rickettsia conorii, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which can identify the bacteria's DNA in the patient's blood.

Treatment

The treatment for boutonneuse fever is with antibiotics, usually doxycycline or chloramphenicol. If treated promptly, the prognosis is excellent.

Prevention

Prevention of boutonneuse fever involves avoiding tick bites. This can be achieved by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers when in areas where ticks are common, using insect repellents, and checking the body for ticks after being outdoors.

See also

• Mediterranean spotted fever
• Tick-borne diseases
• Rickettsial diseases