Trench fever

Wolhynian fever
Quintan fever

Nature

This rickettsial disease is transmitted via lice and probably ticks. The infective agent is Bartonella (Rochalimaea) quintana.

Background

In one US study, DNA of Bartonella organisms was found in nearly 20% of ticks.

Incidence

Trench fever was a significant medical problem during World War I; troops caught it on the battlefield and lice spread the disease. It has recently reappeared among AIDS victims and homeless and alcoholic persons. Here lice are not a factor and ticks are suspected.