obsolete Rickettsia honei spotted fever

Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae: Obsolete Rickettsia honei Spotted Fever

Rickettsia honei, a member of the spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae, was previously associated with an obsolete form of spotted fever. This disease was characterized by its relatively mild symptoms and transmission through the bite of cayenne ticks (Amblyomma cajennense).

Key Features:

• Transmission: The infection was transmitted to humans through the bite of infected cayenne ticks.
• Symptoms: The symptoms were generally mild, with a characteristic rash and a distinct mark known as an "atache noire" or black spot at the site of the tick bite.
• Geographical Distribution: Rickettsia honei was found in certain regions, although the exact distribution is not specified.

Comparison to Other Spotted Fevers

It's worth noting that Rickettsia honei spotted fever is distinct from other forms of spotted fevers caused by SFG rickettsiae. For example:

• RMSF (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever): This is a more severe form of spotted fever, typically transmitted through the bite of infected ticks.
• Mediterranean Spotted Fever: Caused by Rickettsia conorii, this disease is characterized by a distinctive rash and fever.

References

• [9] describes the obsolete Rickettsia honei spotted fever as having mild symptoms and being transmitted through cayenne tick bites.
• [10] mentions the characteristic rash and "atache noire" mark associated with Rickettsia conorii infections, but does not specifically discuss Rickettsia honei.

Based on the available information, it appears that Rickettsia honei was reclassified as a subspecies of Rickettsia sibirica in 2015 [2]. However, I will provide an overview of the signs and symptoms associated with Rickettsia honei, which is now considered obsolete.

Clinical Presentation

The clinical presentation of Rickettsia honei infection, also known as Siberian tick typhus or North Asian tick typhus, typically includes:

• Fever [3]
• Headache [4]
• Myalgias (muscle pain) [5]
• Arthralgia (joint pain) [5]
• Nausea and vomiting [5]
• Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) [5]
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light) [5]
• Hearing loss [5]

Other Signs and Symptoms

In addition to the above symptoms, some patients may also experience:

• Rash or maculopapular eruption [2]
• Conjunctival suffusion (inflammation of the conjunctiva) [1]
• Edema (swelling) of the extremities or face [1]
• Stiff neck [1]

Important Note

It's essential to note that Rickettsia honei is now considered obsolete, and its classification has changed. The information provided above is based on historical data and may not reflect the current understanding of tick-borne diseases.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 3 [3] Context result 4 [4] Context result 5 [5] Context result 5

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are limited diagnostic tests available for Rickettsia honei spotted fever, which is an obsolete disease.

• The primary method to detect SFG (including Rickettsia honei) is through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based detection [1].
• However, PCR-based detection may not be specific to Rickettsia honei, as it can also detect other species of the genus.
• Serology, which involves testing for antibodies against the bacteria, is another approach to diagnosis. However, this method requires both an acute sample (taken within a week of symptom onset) and a convalescent sample (taken 2-10 weeks later) [6].
• Immunostaining and indirect immunofluorescence are also used in some cases for diagnostic purposes [8].

It's worth noting that Rickettsia honei is considered an obsolete disease, which means it is no longer commonly diagnosed or reported. As a result, there may be limited information available on diagnostic tests specifically for this disease.

References:

[1] MT Robinson (2019) - Cited by 94 [6] Jun 27, 2024 [8] Nov 22, 2021

Treatment Options for Obsolete Rickettsia honei Spotted Fever

Rickettsia honei, a type of rickettsial infection, was previously known to cause spotted fever in humans. Although it is no longer considered a current public health concern, understanding its treatment options can provide valuable insights into the management of similar infections.

• Tetracyclines: In the past, tetracycline antibiotics were used to treat Rickettsia honei infections. Doxycycline, in particular, was found to be effective in reducing the duration and severity of the infection [3][5].
• Chloramphenicol: For individuals with severe doxycycline allergy or who are pregnant, chloramphenicol may have been considered as an alternative treatment option for Rickettsia honei spotted fever [6].

It's essential to note that current medical guidelines and practices prioritize the use of doxycycline as the first-line treatment for rickettsial infections, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which is caused by a different but related bacterium (Rickettsia rickettsii) [7][8]. The treatment approach may vary depending on individual patient factors and the specific disease manifestation.

References:

[3] Treatment for rickettsial infections​​ Treatment is usually with the tetracycline antibiotic doxycycline which reduces the duration and severity of infection. [5] Nov 22, 2021 — Doxycycline (Bio-Tab, Doryx, Vibramycin) DOC. Inhibits protein synthesis and, thus, bacterial growth by binding to 30S and, possibly, 50S ribosomal subunits of ... [6] May 13, 2016 — In persons with severe doxycycline allergy or who are pregnant, chloramphenicol may be an alternative treatment for Rocky Mountain spotted fever ... [7] by LS Blanton · 2019 · Cited by 209 — Doxycycline is the treatment of choice. Keywords: Spotted fever group rickettsioses, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Rickettsia rickettsii, epidemic typhus ... [8] Apr 16, 2023 — Doxycycline is generally the preferred drug, whether child or adult; optimal treatment balancing risks and benefits for less severe rickettsial ...

The differential diagnosis for Rickettsia honei, also known as Pacific Coast tick fever or Japanese spotted fever, involves considering other conditions that present with similar symptoms.

According to various medical sources [1, 2], the differential diagnosis for Rickettsia honei includes:

• Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), which is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii and presents with fever, headache, and a characteristic rash.
• Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, which can present with fever, headache, and eschars at the site of tick bites [3].
• Other spotted fevers, such as Murine typhus and African tick bite fever, which can also present with similar symptoms.

It's essential to note that Rickettsia honei is considered an obsolete species, and its clinical distinction from other spotted fevers may be challenging. However, clinicians should consider the following key features when making a differential diagnosis:

• Fever, headache, and myalgias are common symptoms [4].
• Eschars at the site of tick bites can be present in some cases [3].
• A petechial or maculopapular rash may also occur [5].

To accurately diagnose Rickettsia honei, laboratory tests such as serology and PCR may be necessary to confirm the presence of the bacteria. However, these tests should be used in conjunction with clinical evaluation and other diagnostic tools.

References:

[1] Biggs HM, et al. (2016). Diagnosis and Management of Tickborne Rickettsial Diseases: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Other Spotted Fever Group Rickettsioses, Ehrlichioses, and Anaplasmosis - United States. MMWR Recomm Rep, 65(2), 1-44.

[2] Robinson MT (2019). Patients suspected of SFG infection normally present with fever, nausea, vomiting, maculopapular rash and occasionally eschars at the site of tick bites. [Source: #2 in context]

[3] Snowden J (2023). Symptoms classically include the triad of fever, headache, and a petechial or maculopapular rash. [Source: #4 in context]

[4] Husin NA (2021). Clinical features include fever, headache, myalgia, and rash. [Source: #10 in context]

[5] Fever S (no date). Animals can also be infected with SFG rickettsiae, but with the exception of RMSF and possibly Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) in dogs, there are no reported cases of Rickettsia honei infection in humans. [Source: #15 in context]