Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Definition

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a bacterial infection caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, transmitted primarily through tick bites. It is characterized by fever, rash, and potentially severe complications if untreated.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. RMSF is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, a member of the Alphaproteobacteria class.
2. The primary vectors for RMSF are ticks, particularly the American dog tick and the Rocky Mountain wood tick.
3. Symptoms typically include sudden onset of fever, headache, and a characteristic rash that usually begins on the wrists and ankles.
4. If left untreated, RMSF can lead to severe complications such as vasculitis, organ failure, and death.
5. Doxycycline is the recommended antibiotic treatment for RMSF, effective even in children.

Review Questions

Related terms

Rickettsia rickettsii:

The bacterium responsible for causing Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Doxycycline:

An antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections including RMSF.

Tick-borne diseases: Infectious diseases transmitted through tick bites, such as Lyme disease and anaplasmosis.