Rickettsial infections around the world, part 1: pathophysiology and the spotted fever group.

Background: The rickettsial diseases are an important group of infectious agents that have dermatological manifestations. These diseases are important to consider in endemic areas, but in certain suspicious cases, possible acts of bioterrorism should warrant prompt notification of the appropriate authorities.

Objective: In this two part review article, we review these diverse diseases by examining established and up-to-date information about the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment of the ricksettsiae.

Methods: Using PubMed to search for relevant articles, we browsed over 500 articles to compose a clinically based review article.

Results: Part one focuses on pathophysiology of the rickettsial diseases and the clinical aspects of the spotted fever group.

Conclusions: At the completion of part one of this learning activity, participants should be able to discuss all of the clinical manifestations and treatments of the sported fever group. Participants should also be familiar with the pathophysiology of the rickettsial diseases.