Rickettsioses are arthropod-borne zoonoses caused by obligate intracellular bacteria from Rickettsia or Orientia genera.
Rickettsioses are acute febrile, zoonotic diseases caused by rickettsiae, which are obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacteria that invade endothelial cells and induce the formation of vasculitis.
Members of the genus Rickettsia are obligately intracellular Gram-negative organisms that are transmitted to humans via hemophagous arthropod vectors. The rickettsiae have traditionally been classified as belonging to either the spotted fever or typhus group. Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia felis are flea-borne pathogens, which both cause acute undifferentiated febrile illness throughout the world.
Various arthropods, including lice, fleas, ticks, and mites, can act as vectors, whereas mammals and sometimes the arthropods themselves constitute the principal reservoirs.
Rickettsioses are difficult to distinguish from other conditions causing acute fever in endemic areas, especially during the early phase. Common presentations include fever, abdominal discomfort, headache, myalgia, and rashes. Lung, liver, and kidney involvement may complicate the disease.
Rickettsioses
