Rickettsia
- Pronunciation
- /RIK-et-see-ee-uh/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Rickettsia
- Plural
- Rickettsia
Definition
A genus of bacteria that are obligate, intracellular parasites of vertebrates. They are transmitted by ticks, lice, fleas, and mites and cause various diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and typhus.
Etymology
Example
The bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii is the causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Related Terms
- Ticks
- Rickettsioses
Usage Notes
Rickettsia are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they require a host cell to survive and reproduce.