Study of 86 cases of Mediterranean boutonneuse fever hospitalized at a university hospital
Jufresa, J.; Alegre, J.; Suriñach, J.M.; Aleman, C.; Recio, J.; Juste, C.; Fernández Sevilla, T.
Anales de Medicina Interna 14(7): 328-331
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0212-7199 PMID: 9410116 Document Number: 474242
To study the clinical manifestations of 86 patients with Mediterranean Boutonneuse Fever who were admitted in a University General Hospital. Between 1986 and 1994 we studied retrospectively the clinical manifestations, evolution and complications of 86 patients with Mediterranean Boutonneuse Fever. Diagnosis was based on clinical and serological findings. We studied a total of 86 patients (64 males; 22 females) with a mean age of 55 years. 88% of cases were diagnosed between June and September, and 89% of them had contact with dogs. 53% of patients had an underlying disease. All patients presented with fever and a generalized erythematous rash. 60% of patients had a initial lesion (tache noire) especially in legs. All patients were treated with doxicycline during one week. 22% of patients had complications such as renal failure, respiratory failure, gastrointestinal bleeding and stroke. Old patients and those with underlying disease had severe complications with a higher significant frequency. No patients died. 22% of patients with Mediterranean Boutonneuse Fever, especially those with advanced age or underlying disease, who were admitted in the Hospital had severe complications.