Rickettsia Flashcards
What is a rickettsia vector?
Arthropod
Describe what a rickettsia is
Obligate intracellular parasite of eukaryotes
What is the rockettsias method of attack?
Infects the endothelial cells if the vascular system
What are 3 symptoms of a rickettsial infection?
Inflammation, local blockage, and rupture of small blood vessels
What does rickettsia rickettsii ause?
Rocky mt spotted fever
What types of vectors does rickettsia rickettsii use?2
Wood tick in western is and dog tick in eastern us
What is a reservoir for rickettsia rickettsii?
Dogs
What states make up the tick belt? 5
Maryland, Virginia, NOrth Carolina, Sputh Carolina, GEorgia
Describe the differing rates of infection of rickettsia rickettsii
50% of ticks in tick belt are infected, bit only 1-2% of tick bites spread the disease
In Montana what is the death rate if not treated?
90%
What is the death rate in other places if rickettsia rickettsii is not treated?
5%
How long after attachment does it need to be before a tick can spread rickettsia rickettsii?
4 hours
What are the symptoms of rickettsia rickettsii in dogs? 5
105 fever, anorexia, cough, edema, petechia hemorrhage
If they recover can you get rickettsia rickettsii again?
No
What does rickettsia prowazeku cause?
Typhus
What is the vector for typhus?
Lice
What are the two reservoirs for typhus?
Humans and the eastern flying squirrel
What is Brillo disease?
Latent, more milder form of typhus
Why is Brillo disease more mild?
Partial immunity
How would you prevent typhus?
Environmental prevention
What is the preferred two drugs for typhus?
Tetracycline and chloramphenicol
What does rickettsia typhi cause?
Endemic murine typhus
What is the common host of rickettsia typhi?
Rodents
How is rickettsia typhi transmitted?
Rodent flea
