What are some of the diseases transmitted by Rickettsia?

Answer 1

Rickettsia spp. are the etiologic agents of several tickborne diseases in the United States and internationally, including:

1. R. rickettsii: causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF)
2. R. parkeri: causative agent of Rickettsia parkeri rickettsioses
3. R. species 364D: causative agent of Pacific Coast tick fever
4. R. akari: causative agent of rickettsialpox
5. R. africae: causative agent of African tick bite fever
6. R. conorii: causative agent of Mediterranean spotted fever

Transmission of rickettsia bacteria occurs primarily though tick bites. Illness due to spotted fever can range from mild to life-threatening. Most people who get sick with a spotted fever other than RMSF will have an eschar (dark scab at the site of tick or mite bite), fever, headache, and rash.