Rocky mountain spotted feverA79.-
Synonym(s)
Rocky Mountain Fever; Tick-bite fever of the new world
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Tick-borne rickettsiosis with centrifugally spreading exanthema.
PathogenThis section has been translated automatically.
Rickettsia rickettsii.
Occurrence/EpidemiologyThis section has been translated automatically.
Worldwide distribution; more common in North or South America (especially during the spring or summer months).
EtiopathogenesisThis section has been translated automatically.
Infection with R. rickettsii transmitted by Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick), forest ticks or rat ticks.
ManifestationThis section has been translated automatically.
Mostly occurring in children from LJ 4-10.
Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.
Incubation period 2-14 days after tick bite. Occasionally, an ulcerated nodule up to the size of a pea can be found at the bite site, which can be covered with a black crust (tache noire). Morbilliform, possibly hemorrhagic exanthema. Usually starts at wrists and ankles. Skin necrosis possible. Nosebleed, splenohepatomegaly, fever.
Complication(s)This section has been translated automatically.
Cerebral involvement, damage to kidney and liver.
TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.
S.u. Rickettsialpox.
Progression/forecastThis section has been translated automatically.
Letality without antibiotics 5-25%.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Elghetany MT, Walker DH (1999) Hemostatic changes in Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Mediterranean spotted fever. At J Clin Pathol 112: 159-168
- Masters EJ et al (2003) Rocky Mountain spotted fever: a clinician's dilemma. Arch Internal Med 163: 769-774
- O'Reilly M et al (2003) Physician knowledge of the diagnosis and management of Rocky Mountain spotted fever: Mississippi, 2002 Ann NY Acad Sci 990: 295-301