Strategies for detecting rickettsiae and diagnosing rickettsial diseases.
Rickettsial diseases and scrub typhus constitute a group of the oldest known vector-borne diseases. The cosmopolitan distribution of the vectors that transmit rickettsiae and orientiae leads to a worldwide prevalence of these diseases. Despite their significant historical status, detection and diagnosis of these diseases are still evolving today. Serological methods remain among the most prevalent techniques used for the detection/diagnosis of rickettsial diseases and scrub typhus. Molecular techniques have been instrumental in increasing the sensitivity/specificity of diagnosis, identifying new Rickettsia and Orientia species and have enhanced epidemiological capabilities when used in combination with serological methods. In this review, we discuss these techniques and their associated pros and cons.
['Luce-Fedrow|Alison|A|', 'Mullins|Kristin|K|', 'Kostik|Alex P|AP|', 'St John|Heidi K|HK|', 'Jiang|Ju|J|', 'Richards|Allen L|AL|']
D001431:Bacteriological Techniques D006801:Humans D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques D012282:Rickettsia Infections D016996:Rickettsieae D012612:Scrub Typhus D012698:Serologic Tests
Rickettsia Orientia ELISA multilocus sequence typing quantitative real-time PCR scrub typhus group spotted fever group typhus group