RICKETTSIOSES STUDIES .2. NATURAL FOCI OF RICKETTSIOSES IN EAST SLOVAKIA

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 53  (1) , 31-38
Abstract
Natural foci of Q fever and of spotted fever group rickettsiae in the Kosice district of E Slovakia are described and discussed. The natural focus of Q fever was a secondary one. Cattle were the main source of human infection, and a high proportion of synanthropic rodents was infested with Coxiella burnetii. The natural focus of spotted fever group rickettsiae was of a primary character, such rickettsiae circulating among ticks and small mammals. Natural foci of spotted fever group rickettsiae in E Slovakia may be connected with the natural distribution of Dermacentor ticks.