The role of the World Health Organization in the control of rickettsial diseases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) pays great attention to the problem of rickettsial diseases. A network exists of Collaborating Centres for Rickettsial Reference and Research, which are designated by WHO. A WHO Consultation on the Laboratory Diagnosis of Rickettsial Diseases was held in 1987. In accordance with the recommendations of this consultative group, WHO first established The Project on Global Surveillance System for Rickettsial Diseases, with the immediate objective of obtaining reliable data on the global prevalence and distribution of rickettsial diseases. This information should contribute directly to the principal objective of reducing morbidity and mortality due to rickettsial diseases. An additional objective is to identify and characterize strains of pathogenic rickettsiae from various localities throughout the world. The final objective of the above study is to transfer the existing diagnostic technology to laboratories in developing countries. Under the auspices of this Project a diagnostic kit was developed for identification of antibodies with antigens of R. prowazekii and R. conorii in the indirect immunofluorescence test. About 20 laboratories in various countries are participating in this Project. Training courses have been organized for participants from countries in Africa and South-East Asia. The first stage of the Project will be evaluated in 1991 and, depending on the outcome of the first stage, a larger programme would be considered for subsequent years.