Rickettsia

Last Updated: 2019-08-26

Author(s): Anzengruber F., Navarini A.

ICD11: -

  • Diseases caused by Rickettsia infections. Rickettsia are pleomorphic, bacteria-like cocci.

  • Transmission occurs through ticks, mites, lice and fleas. The pathogens can also be found in animal excrement. 
  • Incubation period
    • 1-2 weeks.

  • Initially, a primary lesion (eschar) and accompanying lymphadenitis may occur.
  • Locoregional lymph nodeadenopathy.
  • Febrile temperatures.
  • Maculopapular exanthema.
  • Myalgia and arthralgia.
  • Thromboses and also petechiae.

  • Medical history
  • Clinic
  • Lice infestation.
  • Blood count (leukopenia, eosinophilia), liver and kidney values, electrolytes.
  • Serology (lasts 2 weeks - therapy starts ex juvantibus).
  • From the 2nd week of the disease Weil-Felix reaction (agglutination test).
  • From the 3rd week of the disease, complement fixation reaction.
  • Indirect immunofluorescence test from the 3rd week of the disease.

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Nephritis.
  • Encephalitis.
  • Gangrene.
  • Myocarditis.
  • Hemorrhages.