Ticks: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Flashcards
What is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?
Tick transmitted disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii
What do ticks serve as?
A reservoir and a vector for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
What are the ways Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is transmitted?
- transovarial transmission
2. transtadial transmission
Where is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever most prevalent?
the South Atlantic States and Midwest
What is the wild animal syndrome for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?
subclinical
What is the domestic animal syndrome for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?
(7)
- fever
- anorexia
- swollen lymph nodes
- dyspnea
- abdominal pain
- edema of face and extremities
- conjunctival bleeding and retina damage
How is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever transmitted?
2
- through the bite of an infected tick
2. contact of skin or mucous membranes with tick body fluids when removing it
What are the 2 types of ticks that can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?
- Dermacener variabilis
2. Dermacener andersoni
How is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever diagnosed?
2
- history of tick bite, rash, and fever
2. serology
How is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever treated?
antibiotics
How is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever controlled and prevented? (4)
- wear protective clothing when entering tick habitat
- use tick repellents
- check yourself and your dog for ticks
- clear brush away from residential areas
How can ticks spread Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever to other ticks? (2)
- mating
2. from mom to eggs
What is the primary means by which R. rickettsii propagate in nature?
transovarial
How do ticks transmit R. rickettsii to vertebrates?
through saliva contact during blood meals
How long to ticks have to be attached for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Rickettsia rickettsii) to be transmitted?
5-20 hours
