Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

Question 1

What is the infectious agent in RMSF?

Answer 1

Rickettsia rickettsii.

Question 2

What type of bacteria is Rickettsia rickettsii?

Answer 2

Obligate intracellular gram-negative bacteria.

Question 3

How is the RMSF transmitted?

Answer 3

Vector-transmitted: American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick or brown dog tick.

Question 4

What are the clinical manifestations of RMSF?

Answer 4

Headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash; death.

Question 5

(T/F) Patients can go months without diagnosis of RMSF.

Answer 5

False, early recognition is critical for survival.

Question 6

How long does it take for antibodies to start forming in RMSF?

Answer 6

7-10 days.

Question 7

What serological tests are used to detect RMSF?

Answer 7

Immunofluorescence testing for IgG.

Question 8

What molecular tests are used to detect RMSF?

Answer 8

PCR amplification on DNA from whole blood.

Question 9

What is the gold standard of testing for RMSF?

Answer 9

Indirect immunofluorescence with Rickettsia rickettsii antigen.