Rickettsiszzy

Rickettsial diseases: acute infectious diseases that threaten animals and humans

Rickettsial diseases are a group of acute infectious diseases caused by bacteria-like microorganisms known as rickettsiae. These diseases include epidemic typhus, Q fever, trench fever, and others.

The size of rickettsia varies from fractions of a micrometer to several micrometers. They can be spherical, filamentous, short or long rod-shaped, and rickettsia of the same species can take different shapes. Rickettsia parasitizes a variety of insects, such as fleas and lice, as well as ticks, including ticks and ticks. Like viruses, rickettsiae are intracellular parasites, therefore most pathogenic rickettsiae are poorly resistant in the external environment and easily die at high temperatures (50-70°) and upon contact with various disinfectants. However, they can remain viable in a dried state (for example, in lice and their feces) for up to 2 months or longer. Rickettsia belongs to the group of blood-borne infectious diseases. The causative agents of rickettsiosis circulate in the blood and lymph of infected people and animals, and are transmitted from them to healthy people through blood-sucking insects such as lice, fleas and ticks. Ticks can excrete rickettsiae both in feces (lice, fleas) and in feces and salivary gland secretions. In rare cases, the pathogen can be transmitted through animal secretions, such as the milk and urine of cattle in Q fever.

Under natural conditions, rickettsiae are found in various wild mammals, mainly in rodents, which are a source of infection for fleas and ticks during the period of rickettsiae circulation in their blood. Infected fleas and ticks do not suffer from the rickettsia parasites in them. Moreover, ticks can retain rickettsiae for a long time and transmit them to their offspring. A person becomes infected with rickettsiosis either through blood-sucking ticks, or when rickettsiae excreted in the feces of lice, fleas or ticks come into contact with damaged skin or mucous membranes.

Symptoms of rickettsial infections may vary depending on the specific type of rickettsia and the individual characteristics of the patient. They usually include fever, headache, weakness, muscle pain, rash, and lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes). Some forms of rickettsial infections can be serious and lead to complications such as pneumonia, hepatitis, encephalitis and others.

The diagnosis of rickettsial diseases is usually made on the basis of clinical manifestations, epidemiological data and laboratory tests such as serological tests or PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to detect the genetic material of the rickettsiae.

Treatment of rickettsial diseases is based on the use of antibiotics such as tetracyclines or chloramphenicol, depending on the specific type of rickettsia. Early treatment is usually associated with a better prognosis and prevention of complications. It is also important to prevent bites from insects carrying rickettsia by using repellents, wearing protective clothing, and regularly checking for insects on the body.

In general, rickettsioses are serious infectious diseases that require timely diagnosis and treatment. Following preventative measures such as keeping insects away and maintaining hygiene also plays an important role in preventing the disease. If you suspect rickettsiosis or experience symptoms, it is recommended that you contact a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate treatment.