boutonneuse fever /bo̅o̅″təno̅o̅z′/ [Fr, bouton, button; L, febris] , a febrile disease of the Mediterranean area, the Crimea, Africa, and India caused by infection with Rickettsia conorii, transmitted to humans through the bite of a tick. The onset of the disease is characterized by a lesion called a tache noire, or black spot, at the site of the infection; fever lasting from a few days to 2 weeks; and a papular erythematous rash that spreads over the body to include the skin of the palms and soles. The disease is usually a mild form of rickettsial disease, but severe complications occur in approximately 10% of patients. Usually, mild forms only are observed in children. Treatment usually involves administration of antibiotics. There is no prophylactic medication available, and prevention depends primarily on avoiding ticks. See also rickettsiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
