Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Since 1996, the incidence of rickettsiosis has been increasing in Yucatán, Mexico, but recent prevalence data are lacking. This study aimed to determine exposure to the Spotted Fever Group (SFG) and Typhus Group (TG) in human serum samples suspected of tick-borne diseases (TBD) between 2015 and 2022. A total of 620 samples were analysed using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) to detect IgG antibodies against SFG (Rickettsia rickettsii) and TG (Rickettsia typhi), considering a titer of ≥64 as positive. Results showed that 103 samples (17%) were positive for R. rickettsii and 145 (24%) for R. typhi, while 256 (41%) and 229 (37%) were negative, respectively. There was a cross-reaction in 244 samples (39%). Individuals with contact with vectors, such as ticks, showed significant exposure to fleas (p = 0.0010). The study suggests a high prevalence of rickettsiosis and recommends prospective studies to assess the disease burden and strengthen surveillance and prevention in Yucatán, considering factors like temperature and ecological changes.
Source: Epidemiology and Infection
Authors: Karla Rossanet Dzul Rosado, Carlos Aaron Peña Bates, Martin Raúl Tello, Henry R. Noh-Pech, Fernando I. Puerto, Oghenekaro Omodior
Language: English
Subfield: Parasitology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,550
OpenAlex ID: W4406134640