Intralesional Expression of mRNA of Interferon‐γ, Tumor Necrosis Factor–α, Interleukin‐10, Nitric Oxide Synthase, Indoleamine‐2,3‐Dioxygenase, and RANTES Is a Major Immune Effector in Mediterranean Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis

Mild/moderate MSF is associated with a strong and balanced intralesional proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory response, with a dominant type 1 immunity, whereas severe MSF is associated with increased expression of chemokine mRNA. Whether these factors are simply correlates of mild and severe MSF or contribute to antirickettsial immunity and pathogenesis remains to be determined.