Herrador, ZaidaFernandez-Martinez, AmaliaGomez-Barroso, DianaLeon-Gomez, InmaculadaVieira, CarmenMuro, AntonioBenito, Agustin2018-12-212018-12-212017-03-29PLoS One. 2017 Mar 29;12(3):e0174745.1932-6203http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12105/6930INTRODUCTION: Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is a zoonotic disease caused by Rickettsia conorii. In Spain, deficiencies in the official reporting result in misreporting of this disease. This study aims to describe the clinical and temporal-spatial characteristics of MSF hospitalizations between 1997 and 2014. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective descriptive study using the Hospitalization Minimum Data Set (CMBD). All CMBD's hospital discharges with ICD-9 CM code 082.1 were analyzed. Hospitalization rates were calculated and clinical characteristics were described. Spatial distribution of cases and their temporal behavior were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 4,735 hospitalizations with MSF diagnosis were recorded during the study period, out of which 62.2% were male, mean age of 48. Diabetes mellitus, alcohol dependence syndrome, and chronic liver disease occurred in 10.8%, 2.4% and 2.8% hospitalizations, respectively. The median annual hospitalization rate showed a decreasing trend from a maximum of 12.9 in 1997 to a minimum rate of 3.1 in 2014. Most admissions occurred during the summer, showing a significant annual seasonal behavior. Important regional differences were found. DISCUSSION: Although MSF hospitalization rates have decreased considerably, it remains a public health problem due to its severity and economic impact. Therefore, it would be desirable to improve its oversight and surveillance.engVoRhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/AdolescentAdultAgedAlcoholismBoutonneuse FeverChronic DiseaseComorbidityDiabetes MellitusFemaleHospital RecordsHospitalizationHost-Pathogen InteractionsHumansInternational Classification of DiseasesLinear ModelsLiver DiseasesMaleMiddle AgedPatient DischargeRetrospective StudiesRickettsia conoriiSpainSyndromeYoung AdultAtribución 4.0 Internacional28355307123e017474510.1371/journal.pone.01747451932-6203PloS oneopen access