Human Rickettsiosis Caused by Rickettsia parkeri Strain Atlantic Rainforest, Urabá, Colombia

Abstract

We describe the clinical, serologic, and molecular findings of a new human rickettsiosis in Colombia. Antibodies against Rickettsia spp. were detected. PCR showed amplification of genes for R. parkeri strain Atlantic Rainforest. This new rickettsiosis of minor virulence could explain some of the undifferentiated acute febrile diseases in Colombia.

Keywords

• tickborne diseases
• febrile syndrome
• emerging diseases
• tropical medicine
• rickettsia
• Rickettsia parkeri