R. prowazekii

• What does R. Prowazekii cause?


  • epidemic typhus (louse-borne typhus)
• What transmits bacteria to humans and what is the reservoir? 


  • human body louse (bacteria to humans)
  • flying squirrels serve as reservoirs
  • bacteria kills lice within 2-3 weeks preventing transovarial transmission (prevents infection in lice ovaries)
  • humans are primary host
• Where is this bacteria usually endemic?


  • Occurs in crowded, unsanitary conditions
  • endemic in Central and South America and in Africa
• What is the recurrent disease called?

  • Brill-Zinsser disease
• What are the symptoms of R. Prowazekii? 


  • Sudden onset of fever and headache
  • Pink macules appear around the fifth day on the upper trunk and then cover the entire body
  • This rash spares palms, soles, and face
• What is it treated with?

  • doxycycline
  • tetracycline
  • chloramphenicol
• How is this disease prevented?


  • good personal hygiene
  • vaccine available for high-risk populations