Rickettsia

Definition

Rickettsia are a genus of obligate intracellular bacteria that cause various diseases, including typhus and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They are transmitted primarily through arthropod vectors like ticks, fleas, and lice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rickettsia species are Gram-negative bacteria that require a host cell to reproduce.
2. They are often transmitted to humans through the bite of infected arthropods.
3. Rickettsial diseases can cause severe symptoms such as high fever, rash, and vasculitis.
4. Diagnosis typically involves serological tests or PCR to detect Rickettsial DNA.
5. Treatment usually includes antibiotics like doxycycline.

Review Questions

Related terms

Proteobacteria:

A major phylum of Gram-negative bacteria that includes many pathogenic genera.

Obligate Intracellular Pathogen: An organism that cannot reproduce outside its host cell.

Vector-borne Disease: An illness caused by pathogens transmitted to humans by vectors like insects or arachnids.