Rickettsiae (Rickettsiae, One. Rickettsia)

Rickettsia (Rickettsiae, Unit. Rickettsia) is a group of microscopic immobile parasitic organisms that, in their cellular structure and method of asexual reproduction, resemble bacteria, but cannot reproduce outside the body of their host. Rickettsia usually infects a variety of arthropods, such as ticks, and is transmitted through them to mammals, including humans, where they can cause serious disease.

There are several types of rickettsia that can lead to the development of various forms of rickettsiosis in humans. One such species, Rickettsia akari, causes vesicular rickettsiosis. Other species, such as R. conorii, R. prowazekii, R. tsutsugamushi and R. typhi, can lead to the development of various forms of rickettsiosis. For example, R. rickettsii can cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Coxiella burnetii can cause Q fever.

Rickettsial infections can manifest with various symptoms depending on the type of rickettsia and the degree of infection of the body. Symptoms typically include fever, headache, muscle pain and skin rashes. In some cases, rickettsial infections can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or cardiac arrest.

Treatment for rickettsial infections involves the use of antibiotics such as doxycycline or chloramphenicol. It is important to start treatment as early as possible to prevent complications from developing.

Prevention of rickettsiosis consists of avoiding contact with arthropods that may be infected with rickettsia. It is also necessary to maintain good hygiene and use protective clothing and repellents when working or playing outdoors.

In conclusion, rickettsiae are dangerous parasitic organisms that can cause serious illness in humans. It is important to follow preventive measures and immediately seek medical help if symptoms of rickettsiosis appear.



Rickettsia is a conditionally pathogenic bacterial infection for humans, classified into a separate genus, class – Rickettsiform bacteria. A large immobile flattened ball with a matte surface, motionlessly located inside the cytoplasmic capsule. Cytoplasmic inclusions are elongated (cocci) and rounded (filaments). In nature, many types of rickettsia are ubiquitous, some are even present in the human body. Rickettsial infection has become widespread over the past 2-3 decades. The disease occurs due to damage by the pathogen p.R. Conorii. It is these types of rickettsidia that most often lead to the emergence of mixed forms of the disease (mainly pneumococcal rickettsiosis, glanders - streptococcus - rickettsiosis). The pathogen is found in the majority of sick animals in high titers, which indicates its virulence.



A group of microscopic microorganisms that are parasites and infect arthropods (especially ticks), and then through them mammals, including humans, where they cause various diseases. Rickettsia is a motile rod from a group of bacteria that grows in motile and non-cavitary microcolonies. It is nonmotile and is the only parasitic organism without a plastid in the bacterial species. Rickettsia has the ability to grow independently and reproduce rapidly inside cells (without a nucleus). However, despite the ability to replicate outside cells, rickettsiae cannot reproduce without a host cell.

One example of the use of rickettsia is Lyme disease caused by the species 'R. parkeri', which affects the population of Latin America.