Abstract

VALBUENA, Gustavo. Rickettsioses: pathogenesis, immunity, and vaccine development. Acta méd. costarric [online]. 2013, vol.55, suppl.1, pp.48-59. ISSN 0001-6002.

Several species within the genus Rickettsia are highly pathogenic; for example, R. rickettsii (the agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever) and R. prowazekii (the agent of epidemic typhus). Many of the rickettsioses are prevalent throughout Latin America; however these diseases are neglected because they are seldom considered in the differential diagnosis of febrile diseases in the tropics. This is partly explained by the fact that all infections caused by Rickettsia are difficult to diagnose due to the initial non- specific clinical presentation, absent clinical suspicion, and the lack of sensitive and specific diagnostic tests that can be deployed during the acute presentation. Furthermore, diagnostic confusion with viral infections is the rule, and this is a critical problem because these infections can be treated with appropriate antibiotics. With this review, we expect to contribute to increase knowledge and awareness of these important diseases among scientists and health care professionals in Latin America.

Keywords : Rickettsia; pathogenesis; immunity; vaccine.

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