Epidemiology of African Tick-Bite Fever (Rickettsia africae) in Uganda

Abstract

African tick-bite fever is a rickettsial illness that has recently emerged as a significant disease among international travelers. This tick-borne zoonosis is transmitted by Amblyomma ticks, which is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the eastern Caribbean. Uganda is a major tourism destination with plenty of natural environments visited by tourists. In addition to tourists, the Ugandan population could also be at risk since the greater majority of Ugandans are rural based and dependent on agriculture.  The disease could be misdiagnosed at health care centers since it is not a priority. Key words: African tick-bite fever, Rickettsia africae, spotted fever group rickettsiosis, zoonosis, Uganda.