Sketchy Micro: Rickettsia Species Overview

Question 1

Briefly classify Rickettsia.

Answer 1

It is a Gram-indeterminant, coccobacillary, obligate intracellular bacteria.

(Think of how the entire scene takes place inside, the flattened tennis balls, and how the crowd is wearing all white.)

Question 2

Why is Rickettsia an obligate intracellular?

Answer 2

It cannot make NAD+ or acetyl Co-A.

Think of the COAch handing NAD+ electrolyte water to the players.

Question 3

Although Rickettsia does not Gram-stain well, it is actually _______________.

Answer 3

weakly Gram-negative (like the pink tennis balls)

Question 4

What test can pick up agglutination of Rickettsia?

Answer 4

Weil-Felix

Think of the match between Winning Weil and Failing Felix.

Question 5

What are some symptoms of both strains of Rickettsia?

Answer 5

Headache
Fever
Vasculitis
Bumpy rash

(Think of Felix sweating and grabbing his head. Also, the net of the court and the racket nets are red and swollen, just the capillary beds of someone with vasculititis.)

Question 6

_____________ can treat Rickettsia.

Answer 6

Tetracyclines (represented by the Ricket’s Bike Tires advertisements posted around the court)