Diagnosis of Mediterranean spotted fever by cultivation of Rickettsia conorii from blood and skin samples using the centrifugation-shell vial technique and by detection of R. conorii in circulating endothelial cells: a 6-year follow-up.

摘要: Rickettsia conorii, an obligate intracellular bacterium that infects vascular endothelial cells, is the etiologic agent of Mediterranean spotted fever. We correlated results 205 R. conorii blood and skin cultures for 157 patients 48 detections in circulating cells (CEC) 41 with relevant serological, clinical, therapeutic data. was cultured from 40% 29.8% samples. detected CEC 50% samples, representing 46.2% patients. When these calculations were limited to samples untreated prior their seroconversion sensitivity culture 59%, whereas it remained at detection CEC. also performed PCRs on eight shell vial supernatants positive 43 Only nonfrozen fresh positive. The methods described this report are suitable use all laboratories. Our findings suggest be they must collected initiation antibiotic regimen, as early possible course disease, inoculated onto vials minimal delay, if successfully isolated. For who have been treated or a delayed diagnosis, remains helpful.