Murine Typhus, Algeria

Rickettsia felisInfections, New Zealand

“…Because R. typhi can cross-react with SFG rickettsiae ( 7 ), and R. felis with R. typhi ( 5 ), results that are TG positive and SFG positive may be caused by either rickettsiae. Positive reactivity may also represent overseas-acquired rickettsioses.…”

Molecular detection of Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia felis in fleas from Algeria

“…In this study, we present the first molecular detection of R. typhi in fleas from Algeria. Murine typhus is most often a relatively mild disease with non-specific signs [3]. Fewer than half of the patients report exposure to fleas or flea hosts.…”

“…With the exception of the rat flea Xenopsylla cheopis and Yersinia pestis , the agent of plague, fleas and human flea‐borne infections have been scarcely studied in Algeria [1]. Murine typhus, a typhus group rickettsiosis caused by Rickettsia typhi and transmitted by X. cheopis , is also known to occur in Algeria, but cases are poorly documented [2,3]. However, recently, fleas collected in Algeria, in the district of Oran, between July and September 2003 ( Ctenocephalides canis from rodents, and Archeopsylla erinacei from hedgehogs) were tested by PCR for the presence of Rickettsia spp., and were shown to harbour an emerging pathogen, Rickettsia felis [4].…”

Feline-Human Zoonosis Transmission in North Africa: A Systematic Review

“…Although the authors repeatedly remarked on cat contact as a risk factor, they did not provide any data from their questionnaire to corroborate the association (Reda and Mostafa 1995). Another study of Algerian patients in a teaching hospital presenting with clinical signs of rickettsioses (spotted fevers) confirmed only 2 of the 277 potential cases were true positives and both reported frequent and recent contact with cats (Mouffok et al 2008). Similarly, the principal risk factor for pregnant women infected with Coxiella burnetii was selfreported contact with domestic animals.…”