Epidemiology of Rickettsial Infection in the Municipality of Uramita, Colombia

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze epidemiological indicators related to seroprevalent and seroincident cases of spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) and to identify housing conditions related to tick infestation. A prospective study (2016–2018) was conducted to examine rickettsial seropositivity in humans, domestic animals, and wild mammals in the municipality of Uramita, Antioquia, Colombia, where a previous Rickettsia rickettsii outbreak was reported from 2014 to 2015. The seroprevalence and its associated factors were estimated at baseline, and the seroincidence and its risk factors for humans were estimated 20 months later. A cross-sectional analysis was performed to evaluate the housing conditions linked to tick infestation. The SFGR seroprevalence was 26.70% (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.79–31.37), and the factors associated with SFGR seropositivity were male sex (adjusted prevalence ratio [PRa], 1.67; 95% CI, 1.19–2.32), age (evaluated in 5-year increments) (PRa, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01–1.09), and household proximity (PRascattered versus very near=3.87; 95% CI, 1.12–8.66). The overall seroincidence was 7.40% (95% CI, 4.71–11.06), and the factors associated with SFGR seroincident cases were the presence of wild animals (adjusted relative risk [RRa], 2.46; 95% CI, 1.06–4.72) and the presence of trees in the peri-domiciliary area (RRa, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.23–0.94). The prevalence of house tick infestation was 27.81% (95% CI, 21.93–34.80), and the factors associated with infestation were dirt floors (PRa, 5.88; 95% CI, 2.28–10.31), fiber cement roofs (PRa, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.07–2.83), and the presence of canines in peri-domiciliary or intra-domiciliary areas (PRa, 5.05; 95% CI, 3.31–7.19). Seropositivity rates for canines and opossums were 35.62% (26/73) and 100% (6/6), respectively. Identification of these factors will help to implement efficient surveillance programs in Colombia.

Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia spp. Molecular and Serological Evidence among Colombian Vectors and Animal Hosts: A Historical Review

“…Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. has been evaluated in a couple studies in Colombia and has been found negative for R. rickettsii [ 42 , 43 ]. Infection rates have been found higher (20.7% prevalence) among A. mixtum collected horses [ 23 ].…”

“…Veritable R. amblyommatis infection could be misdiagnosed with other Rickettsia spp. given the cross-reactivity on clinically available IFA slides [ 25 , 42 , 54 ]. Despite the historical belief that this species is an endosymbiont found in Amblyomma sp.…”

Tick bite‐associated chronic pruritic lesions in an Afro‐descendant population in the Cauca Department, Colombia. II. Epidemiological risk factors

“…We could not identify bacteria in ticks, 1 and no severe tickborne diseases have been reported in this area so far; however, in the northern part of Colombia, fatal cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever have occurred. 6 This complimentary analysis of epidemiological risk factors for severe tick infestation emphasizes the continuing need for a holistic health approach that includes both veterinary and human health interventions.…”

Diagnostic methods for severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions by inpatient dermatologists

“…We could not identify bacteria in ticks, 1 and no severe tickborne diseases have been reported in this area so far; however, in the northern part of Colombia, fatal cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever have occurred. 6 This complimentary analysis of epidemiological risk factors for severe tick infestation emphasizes the continuing need for a holistic health approach that includes both veterinary and human health interventions.…”

“…We could not identify bacteria in ticks, 1 and no severe tickborne diseases have been reported in this area so far; however, in the northern part of Colombia, fatal cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever have occurred. 6 This complimentary analysis of epidemiological risk factors for severe tick infestation emphasizes the continuing need for a holistic health approach that includes both veterinary and human health interventions.At the time of the study in 2017, information handouts were distributed to households and local officials, with advice on tick control and prevention of tick bites such as regular bush and weed control (also within the communities), minimizing close contact with animals, and treating animals according to official local recommendations. Since 2017 tick infestations in humans and the cases of severe chronic pruritus have not been quantified again; however, according to observations of health officials, tick infestation of human environments has slightly decreased, while animals remain heavily infested.…”