Severe Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis, Australia

Abstract

We report 3 cases of spotted fever group rickettsial infection (presumed Queensland tick typhus) in residents of northern Queensland, Australia, who had unusually severe clinical manifestations. Complications included renal failure, purpura fulminans, and severe pneumonia. Clinical illness caused by Rickettsia australis may not be as benign as previously described.

Keywords

• Renal insufficiency
• Rickettsia infection
• Ixodes
• purpura fulminans
• pneumonia
• Queensland