What Is Microbiology - Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky mountain spotted fever may present with acute onset of fever, chills, headache, petechial rash ( initially begins in the extremities and later spread to the trunks), malaise and myalgia.

Rocky mountain spotted fever is caused by rickettsia rickettsii which is a gram negative rod. The fluorescent antibody analysis of the skin biopsy as well as the serological diagnostic test are useful in detecting rickettsia rickettsii. 

The common mode of transmission of rocky mountain spotted fever is due to exposure to tick. The prevention method in this case may include prompt removal of ticks. 

Rickettsia rickettsii is an obligate intracellular parasites. Rickettsia rickettsii able to replicated in endothelial cells, This may lead to damage to the blood vessel and inflammation of the blood vessel due to vasculitis. 

The complication of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever may include renal failure, encephalitis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. There will be an increase in the permeability of the vascular system. 

The treatment of Rocky Mountain Spotted fever may include antibiotic such as chloramphenicol and tetracycline. 
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