Description of Typhus

Typhus occurs worldwide. Epidemic typhus commonly breaks out in areas of widespread poverty and poor hygiene practices, and murine typhus commonly breaks out in tropical regions.

Causes

• Typhus is caused by two bacteria: Rickettsia prowazekii and Rickettsia typhi. Rickettsia prowazekii causes epidemic typhus, and Rickettsia typhi causes murine and endemic typhus.

Transmission

• The most common carriers of Rickettsia prowazekii and Rickettsia typhi are ticks, lice and fleas. These bacteria also spread through contact with infected animals and their feces.

Symptoms

• Symptoms vary by the type of typhus. However, common symptoms include a rash that originates on the torso and spreads outward, joint pain and headaches.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis of typhus generally begins with a blood test. Typhus will decrease the normal amount of red blood cells and platelets in your bloodstream.

Treatment

• Because typhus is caused by bacteria, doctors will prescribe antibiotics. Doxycycline and tetracycline are among the most common treatments, though fluoroquinolones are also used.