Description
Caused by a group of microorganisms that have characteristics of both bacteria and viruses. There are many different types and they can cause diseases endemic to the United States including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and a whole host of diseases that can be acquired while traveling abroad including: Boutonneuse fever (i.e., Kenya tick-bite fever, African tick typhus, Mediterranean spotted fever, Indian tick typhus, Marseilles fever), typhus, and Q fever.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the specific type of infection but may include: fever, feeling generally unwell, headache, rash.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests to identify antibodies being produced against the infection are available and are the mainstay of diagnosis. Other tests may be performed to rule out other causes of the symptoms, and to identify any damage done by the infection.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Serology
Specialists:
Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests to identify antibodies being produced against the infection are available and are the mainstay of diagnosis. Other tests may be performed to rule out other causes of the symptoms, and to identify any damage done by the infection.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Serology
Specialists:
Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
Treatment involves administering antibiotics and doxycycline is the treatment of choice.