Rickettsia Prowazekii Epidemic typhus Dr. Manesh Verma GC Chamba

Rickettsia prowazekii, inhabits the louse's gut Rickettsia prowazekii, inhabits the louse's gut. It is a parasite and it can only live within other cells, at the host cell's expense. They are dependent on entry, growth, and replication within the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic host cell. The host cell then breaks down and makes the cell wall leaky and releases the rickettsia offspring to initiate a new infection cycle.

ATTACK Lice become infected when they feed on the blood of infected patients. The lice defecate when they feed on a new host, separating Rickettsia in the feces. The passing of the disease occurs when organisms in the louse feces or crushed lice are rubbed into the bite wound or other breaks in the skin. In most parts of the world, humans are the only reservoir host (sources of infections) for Rickettsia prowazekii. Infections can later become active again. Humans with recrudescent typhus (able to revive disease) are capable of infecting lice and spreading the disease.

Epidemic Typhus Typhus epidemics usually occur where louse populations are high. Infections are typically seen in populations living in unsanitary and crowded conditions. Outbreaks are often associated with wars, famines, floods and other disasters. Most epidemics occur during the colder months. The disease is most often fatal for people who are elderly, malnourished, or physically exhausted.

Injuryyyyy The initial symptoms may include headache, chills, fever, exhaustion and myalgia (muscle pain). A rash develops after 4 to 6 days. Small pink blemishes usually spread to the entire body but usually not the face, palms and soles. As the disease progresses, the rash usually becomes a dark red and bumpy. In severe cases, petechial (dark purple spots) Splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen), hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure), nausea, vomiting and confusion may also be seen.

Rickettsia prowazekii has been found worldwide Rickettsia prowazekii has been found worldwide. It currently exists in many countries in Asia, central and east Africa, and the mountainous regions of Mexico, Central and South America. War and famine can result in explosive outbreaks of disease.

Effective Weapons against it Early treatment with antibiotics is effective and relapses are uncommon.