Spotted fever diagnosis using molecular methods

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2024 Nov 15:57:e00204-2024. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0226-2024. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Rickettsiosis is a disease caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Rickettsia, and is a potentially fatal zoonotic disease of great medical and veterinary importance. Given the urgent need to develop new diagnostic methods for detecting this disease, the present review aimed to evaluate the number of publications dedicated to the identification of Rickettsia spp. in human samples using molecular methods, such as polymerase chain reaction and its variations. To this end, a bibliographical survey covering articles published in the past ten years was conducted using the PudMed platform with the keywords "spotted fever" and "Rickettsia," both combined with "diagnosis." A growing number of publications in this area reflects an increasing interest in research, especially since 2015. From 2015 to February 2024, several promising results were tested and many studies were able to detect the genetic sequences of interest. Therefore, the absence of a standard diagnosis method highlights the critical need for developing an effective technique capable of accurately detecting the etiological agent and ensuring accurate diagnosis of the disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction*
  • Rickettsia Infections / diagnosis
  • Rickettsia Infections / microbiology
  • Rickettsia* / genetics
  • Rickettsia* / isolation & purification
  • Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis / diagnosis
  • Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis / microbiology

Grants and funding

The authors would thanks to CNPq, CAPES (code 001), FAPEMIG (APQ-02704-23, BPD-00647-22, RED-00067-23, RED-00193-23) UFSJ, UFMG, and UCSM. EAFC, RCG, ASG also thank CNPQ for their PQ/DT Fellowships.