IDCases (Jan 2021)

Encephalitis: A rare complication of mediterranean spotted fever

  • Jorge Bastos Mendes,
  • João Filipe Gomes,
  • Tatiana Gonçalves,
  • Bernardo Canhão,
  • João Madaleno

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 24
p. e01136

Abstract

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Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is an emerging zoonosis caused by Rickettsia conorii. The MSF typically presents with a triad of fever, generalized cutaneous rash and inoculation eschar, but its clinical spectrum may range from a mild febrile illness to a potentially life-threatening condition, being central nervous system involvement highly rare. We report the clinical case of a 63-year-old male patient with MSF complicated by acute encephalitis and multi-organic failure.

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