Sketchy Micro: Rickettsia Prowazekii

Question 1

Once again, all Rickettsia are ________________.

Answer 1

obligate intracellular bacteria (like the stadium that encompasses this scene)

Question 2

Rickettsia stain ______________.

Answer 2

very poorly (like the crowd dressed all in white)

Question 3

What factors do Rickettsia require for growth?

Answer 3

CoA and NAD+

Think of the CoAch with the NAD+ electrolyte water.

Question 4

What drug treats Rickettsia the best?

Answer 4

Tetracycline (like the advertisements for Ricketts Tires)

Question 5

Describe the presentation of the rash that Rickettsia prowazekii causes?

Answer 5

It starts somewhere on the body and moves outward (like the football play where all the players run outward, which is written on the board) and it ultimately covers the body except for the hands, feet and head (like the players’ uniforms that are red everywhere except the hands, feet, and head).

Question 6

How is R. prowazekii transmitted?

Answer 6

By lice (like the lice being thrown by the football players)

Question 7

What groups are prone to R. prowazekii outbreaks?

Answer 7

Those in the armed services, because of close crowding (think of the coach’s military hat)

Question 8

What are the symptoms of epidemic typhus (which R. prowazekii causes)?

Answer 8

• Rash (red suits)
• Arthralgias (tackle)
• Myalgias (tackle)
• Pneumonia (coughing while tackling)
• Encephalitis (confusion from tackle)