ViroStat has released a new monoclonal antibody to the rickettsiae LPS. It is reactive with all members of the spotted fever group of rickettsiae. It does not cross react with the typhus group (R. typhi or R. prowazekii). This new antibody functions in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and may also function in other rapid test formats.
Rickettsia rickettsii is an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium that can infect humans and other invertebrates. The most common human disease is spotted fever. Transmission occurs from the bite of various infected arthropods, the most common being the American dog tick and the Rocky Mountain wood tick. Typical symptoms are fever, headache and a rash. Prompt treatment with doxycycline is recommended.