Typhus is a group of diseases caused by Rickettsia bacteria. Although at present they are considered rare diseases, there are still cases and infections.
They are transmitted by parasites that include lice, fleas, and mites. In populations that have adequate sanitary measures, it is considered that there is no transmission. On the contrary, in regions that do not have access to proper hygiene, the risk of contracting them is higher.
Below we explain each of the main types of typhus, the symptoms they produce and their treatment.
How many types of typhus are there?
Generally speaking, there are 3 types of typhus: epidemic, murine and scrub . Although the name is similar, it should not be confused with typhoid fever, caused by another bacteria called Salmonella typhi.
1. Ti fus epidemic
It is a rare disease caused by bacteria Rickettsia prowazekii. It is transmitted byinfected lice among people living in crowded conditions. For the transmission it is necessary that the lice can pass from one human to another.
2. Murine typhus
It is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia typhi and is transmitted to people by infected fleas . Fleas become infected by biting already infected animals.
Transmitter animals include rats, cats, and possums. It is very important to mention that it is not transmitted from person to person.
3. Scrub typhus
This type of typhus is the that is transmitted by infected mites . The bacteria that produce it is Orientia tsutsugamushi. The cases occur primarily in rural areas of Southeast Asia, India, Japan, China, and northern Australia.
Although it is a rare disease, people who live or travel to these regions can become infected.
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