--Infection by Rickettsia typhi causes a systemic illness with clinical and laboratory abnormalities not previously recognized or described. Early clinical diagnosis and treatment are needed to avoid undue morbidity and mortality.

protein-protein interaction ͉ replication arrest ͉ two-hybrid analysis ͉ reverse two-hybrid analysis

Pediatric infection by Rickettsia typhi usually causes mild to moderate systemic illness. In children, the median duration of illness was 12 days (range, 5-29 days), but severe complications were rare. Length of illness was significantly related to the initial diagnosis, whereas the interval to defervescence was related to therapy with a tetracycline or chloramphenicol. Early recognition and treatment is important to prevent prolonged morbidity.

Physicians should be alert for possible cases in this area.