In:
The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Oxford University Press (OUP), Vol. 226, No. 6 ( 2022-09-21), p. 1075-1083
Abstract:
Rickettsia felis is emergent in tropical areas. Despite its high morbidity, its natural history has not yet been fully determined. We investigated the role of the common household booklouse, Liposcelis bostrychophila, recently found to harbor R. felis. Methods Blood samples from 372 febrile patients from Senegalese villages, as well as nasal and skin samples from 264 asymptomatic individuals, were tested for cat flea–associated and booklice-associated strains of R. felis. Dust samples from beds were collected to isolate booklice and R. felis. Mice were infected with aerosol of R. felis strain from naturally infected booklice. Results Forty febrile patients (11%) were infected by R. felis, including 26 (7%) by the booklice-associated strain. Nine nasal samples (3.4%) and 28 skin samples (10.6%) contained R. felis, including 7 and 24, respectively, with the booklice-associated strain. The presence of live L. bostrychophila was observed in 32 dust samples (16.8%); R. felis was identified in 62 dust samples (32.5%). Several mice samples were positive for R. felis; interstitial lymphohistiocytic infiltrates were identified in lungs. Conclusions Liposcelis bostrychophila may be a reservoir of R. felis. The booklice-associated strain is pathogenic in mammals, causing pneumonia. Human infection may be acquired via inhalation of infected booklice particles.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0022-1899
,
1537-6613
DOI:
10.1093/infdis/jiac282
Language:
English
Publisher:
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Publication Date:
2022
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1473843-0
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