New point-of-care diagnostic test may revolutionize early diagnosis of Mediterranean rickettsiosis spotted fever

(Elsevier) Rickettsiae are bacteria that cause severe, potentially lethal human infections, including Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Delays in diagnosing and treating MSF can cause significant morbidity and mortality, due in part to the lack of a test for early detection. A new study in The American Journal of Pathology reports the discovery of a sensitive and specific marker that may enable early diagnosis, treatment, and accurate public health notification ...