Mediterranean spotted fever with multiorgan involvement

Abstract

A previously well man in his 50s returned to the UK after a trip to the Mediterranean. The day after returning he developed malaise, fevers, rigors and severe headache. He was hospitalised with sepsis, multiorgan involvement, a maculopapular rash and an eschar on each hip. Serology was positive forRickettsiaspp (spotted fever group) with a rise in titre from 1:64 to 1:1024 eight days later. Blood and tissue PCR were also positive forRickettsiaspp. He had cardiac, pulmonary, renal, ocular and neurological involvement. He completed a 14-day course of doxycycline and recovered well. This is a case of likely Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) caused byRickettsia conorii,which is endemic to the Mediterranean basin. We highlight the need for awareness and early treatment to prevent severe complications. This case is also the first to describe Purtscher-like retinopathy in the context of likely MSF.