Murine typhus in Greece: epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic data from 83 cases

Abstract

Over a period of 5 years (1993–97), 83 cases of murine typhus were identified and studied in the city of Chania, on the island of Crete. Of these cases, 4·8% were registered in 1993, 19·3% in 1994, 47·0% in 1995, 10·8% in 1996, and 18·1% in 1997. The greatest incidence of the disease occurred during the third trimester of the year. Direct contact with rats was noted in 45 (54·2%) of 83 patients. Two strains of Rickettsia typhi were isolated in cell cultures. The predominant clinical manifestations were: fever (100%), headache (88%), chills (86·7%), and rash (79·5%). In 4 of the patients (4·8%), the disease was complicated by acute renal failure, and in 4 other patients (4·8%), by pulmonary consolidations. The outcome under appropriate treatment was favourable for all patients.