Rickettsial infections are unknown, yet surprisingly common

These are some of the different types of ectoparasites capable of transmitting various disease-causing bacteria: (A) mite, (B) flea, (C) louse and (D) tick. — Assoc Prof Dr LUCAS LOW VAN LUN and Dr HEO C.C.

Rickettsial diseases, or rickettsioses, are a diverse group of bacterial infections that are spreading and/or reappearing, especially in South-East Asia, including Malaysia.

These diseases are mainly transmitted through the bites of ectoparasites such as ticks, fleas, lice and mites.