Challenges in Diagnosing Rickettsial Infection: A Case Report of Rickettsia conorii in a Pediatric Patient in Iran

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2025 Mar 12;44(8):e305-e306. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000004799.

Abstract

Mediterranean spotted fever has recently been reported in Iran, yet it continues to be overlooked by healthcare professionals in the country. This case report details a 19-month-old child who presented with fever, edema and skin rashes and was initially misdiagnosed. Subsequent testing revealed a Mediterranean spotted fever infection through IgG seroconversion. Treatment with doxycycline led to the child's full recovery. Rickettsial infections pose a significant public health challenge, particularly in endemic areas, making early intervention essential to avoid severe complications.

Keywords: Iran; Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF); child.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood
  • Boutonneuse Fever* / diagnosis
  • Boutonneuse Fever* / drug therapy
  • Boutonneuse Fever* / microbiology
  • Doxycycline / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Infant
  • Iran
  • Male
  • Rickettsia conorii* / immunology
  • Rickettsia conorii* / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Doxycycline
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Immunoglobulin G