Epidemic Typhus in the United States Associated With Flying Squirrels

Duma, Richard J.

doi:10.1001/jama.1981.03310470032022

Cited by 81 publications

(23 citation statements)

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“…Rickettsia prowazekii is also maintained in a zoonotic cycle involving flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) and their specific flea and louse in the United States. Sporadic epidemic typhus occurring in the United States is transmitted by fleas of flying squirrels (Duma et al, 1981). Murine typhus is transmitted by fleas including rat fleas and cat fleas.…”

Section: Epidemiology and Ecologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Rickettsia and Rickettsial Diseases

Yu¹,

Walker²

2012

Bioterrorism

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Section: Epidemiology and Ecologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Rickettsia and Rickettsial Diseases

Yu¹,

Walker²

2012

Bioterrorism

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“…It is transmitted by the human-body louse Pediculus humanus corporis and is also associated with flying squirrels and their ectoparasites (9,11). Infected lice, when feeding, excrete a live, dormant form of the organism onto the cutaneous bite sites in their feces.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Expression of the Rickettsia prowazekii pld or tlyC Gene in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Mediates Phagosomal Escape

et al. 2005

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Members of the genus Rickettsia possess the ability to invade host cells and promptly escape from phagosomal vacuoles into the host cell cytosol, thereby avoiding destruction within the endosomal pathway. The mechanism underlying rickettsial phagosomal escape remains unknown, although the genomic sequences of several rickettsial species have allowed for the identification of four genes with potential membranolytic activities (tlyA, tlyC, pat1, and pld). This study was undertaken to determine which of the selected genes of Rickettsia prowazekii mediate the escape process. Quantitative ultrastructural analyses indicated that the period of active phagosomal escape was between 30 and 50 min postinfection. Reverse transcriptase PCR analyses determined that tlyC and pld were transcribed during the period of active phagosomal escape but that tlyA and pat1 were not. The functionality of both tlyC and pld was determined by complementation studies of Salmonella, which replicates within endosomes. Complementation of Salmonella organisms with either tlyC or pld resulted in the escape of transformants from endosomal vacuoles into the host cell cytosol demonstrated by quantitative ultrastructural analyses. These data suggest a role for tlyC and pld in the process of phagosomal escape by R. prowazekii.

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“…In addition to this human reservoir, a zoonotic reservoir, the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans), has been implicated in sporadic human cases in the eastern United States. 4 …”

Section: Epidemic Typhusmentioning

confidence: 99%

History of U.S. Military Contributions to the Study of Rickettsial Diseases

et al. 2005

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, MC USN (Ret.) § Rickettsial diseases have affected the military throughout history. Efforts such as those of the Joint U.S. Typhus Commission near the beginning of World War II and of military researchers since have reduced the impact of these diseases on U.S. and Allied forces. Despite the postwar development of effective antibiotic therapies, the newly emerging antibioticresistant scrub typhus rickettsial strains of the Asian Pacific region mandate continued research and surveillance. Similarly, tick-infested training areas in the United States and similar exposure abroad render the spotted fevers and the ehrlichioses problematic to deployed troops. The military continues to work on countermeasures to control the arthropod vectors, as well as actively participating in the development of rapid accurate diagnostic tests, vaccines, and improved surveillance methods. Several rickettsial diseases, including epidemic typhus, scrub typhus, the ehrlichioses, and the spotted fevers, are reviewed, with emphasis on the military historical significance and contributions. Introduction C ertain rickettsial diseases have had a significant impact on military operations throughout history. Before the middle of the 20th century, when effective antibiotics were introduced, military morbidity and mortality rates attributable to diseases such as epidemic typhus and scrub typhus were high. As far back as 429 B.C. and the plague of Athens, as described by Thucydides, typhus was thought to have killed the Athenian general Pericles and caused the downfall of Athens during the Peloponnesian War.1 There are reports in which the destruction of whole armies occurred. Arguably the most famous example is the destruction of the Grand Army of Napoleon following the 1812 withdrawal from Russia, which was attributed, in large part, to typhus and a "lousy" Russian winter. Because symptoms of these diseases often resemble those of other febrile illnesses, such as malaria and leptospirosis, rickettsioses are difficult to diagnose even today (Table I). Consequently, rickettsioses are often underreported or misdiagnosed and their true impact is underestimated. The purpose of this report is to describe the military significance of the rickettsioses and to outline the contributions made by military researchers to minimize the risk to military operations and personnel (Table II). These contributions have also greatly benefited the general public, both in the United States and globally. Epidemic TyphusEpidemic typhus (also known as louse-borne typhus, camp fever, ship fever, jail fever, and others) is an acute febrile illness of humans. The causative agent, Rickettsia prowazekii, contaminates the feces of its vector, the human body louse, Pediculus humanus. Aerosolized dried feces can be inhaled to induce infection, but the rickettsiae-laden feces are primarily self-inoculated through scratching of the site of the louse bite.3 Fever and headache occur 8 to 12 days following exposure, typically accompanied by generalized maculopapular rash, which spre...

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Epidemic Typhus in the United States Associated With Flying Squirrels

Cited by 81 publications

References 10 publications

Rickettsia and Rickettsial Diseases

Rickettsia and Rickettsial Diseases

Expression of the Rickettsia prowazekii pld or tlyC Gene in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Mediates Phagosomal Escape

History of U.S. Military Contributions to the Study of Rickettsial Diseases

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