Microbiology
Summary
Rickettsia prowazekii is an obligate intracellular bacterium that stains weakly gram-negative and relies on host cells for essential molecules like CoA and NAD+ to sustain its growth and reproduction.
Certain groups, such as military camp recruits and prisoners of war, are at a higher risk of contracting Rickettsia prowazekii infection. Transmission occurs through the feces of lice, with the bacterium entering the bloodstream when the patient scratches the sites of lice feeding and defecation. Infection with Rickettsia prowazekii presents distinct features. The rash associated with this infection develops centrally on the trunk and gradually spreads outward to the extremities. However, it usually spares the face, palms, and soles. Other signs and symptoms include myalgias, arthralgias, and even pneumonia. More severe cases may involve encephalitis, characterized by symptoms like fever, dizziness, and confusion. Epidemic typhus is the term used to describe the disease caused by this bacterium. The preferred treatment for Rickettsia prowazekii infection is doxycycline, which effectively combats the bacterium.
Lesson Outline
Don't stop here!
Get access to 128 more Microbiology lessons & 13 more medical school learning courses with one subscription!
FAQs
Rickettsia prowazekii is an obligate intracellular bacteria associated with epidemic typhus in humans. It's transmitted through an arthropod vector, typically body lice. This bacterium is significant in medical study due to its unique life characteristics, like poor gram staining and NAD+ energy utilization, and disease manifestations that can include myalgia, arthralgia, pneumonia, encephalitis, and in severe cases, coma.
Rickettsia prowazekii is most commonly transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected body louse. This process of louse transmission is critical for the spread of epidemic typhus, particularly in conditions where close human contact and poor sanitation allow lice populations to thrive.
Doxycycline is the first line of treatment for infections caused by Rickettsia prowazekii. If administered promptly, it can reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms and prevent complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, or coma.
A person infected with Rickettsia prowazekii typically develops symptoms that can include a high fever, chill, headache, myalgia (muscle pain), arthralgia (joint pain), and a persistent rash. The rash usually starts on the trunk and moves outwards towards the limbs. Complications include pneumonia, encephalitis, and coma, particularly in severe cases or when treatment is delayed.
