Rickettsia

Rickettsial organisms are transmitted by bites or through infectious fluids inoculated into the skin from ectoparasites likes mites, lice, fleas and ticks. Transmission of the rickettsial organism through blood transfusion or organ transplant is uncommon but have been reported in few cases.

Transmission

The signs and symptoms are not specific to the disease; therefore, laboratory confirmation is required to identify Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Infectolab Americas Rickettsia Spot helps to monitor the antigen specific T-cell activity. These cells are part of the adaptive immune system; tracking their immune response gives a clear picture of the stage of the disease as well as providing the tools necessary to assess the success of any treatment.

Testing

Rickettsia species are small bacteria that are obligate intracellular parasites. These zoonotic pathogens can disseminate in the blood to most organs and cause infections. Rickettsia species causes Rocky mountain spotted fever, rickettsial pox and other spotted fevers. It was first reported in the Rocky mountain states but occurs throughout the continental United States. It is most prevalent in the south eastern and south-central United States. It also occurs in Central and South America. Infection is spread to human through bites by wood ticks or dog ticks.

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Rickettsial diseases are difficult to diagnose. Clinical presentation largely varies with causative agent and patient. The common symptoms develop within first 2 weeks of infections.

It includes:

Fever
Malaise
Headache
Nausea or Vomiting
Abdominal Pain

Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms

Treatment of patients should begin as soon as the disease is suspected as certain infections are rapidly progressive and can be fatal. Treatment with tetracycline is recommended, most often doxycycline.