Anti-Rickettsia, LPS (RICK-5621)

Specificity: Anti-Rickettsia (Clone RICK-5621) is specific for the LPS of 24 species in the Spotted Fever Group (R. felis weakly) or Rickettsia. It is non-reactive against R. typhi and R. prowazekii. Background: The Rickettsia Spotted Fever Group (SFG) is a subset of the Rickettsia genus that includes several species of bacteria responsible for causing Spotted Fever diseases in humans. These diseases are primarily transmitted through tick bites and are prevalent in various regions worldwide. Notable members of this group include Rickettsia rickettsii, the causative agent of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Rickettsia conorii causing Mediterranean Spotted Fever, and Rickettsia parkeri causing a mild form of Spotted Fever. Spotted Fever diseases typically present with symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and a characteristic spotted rash. These infections can be severe and even life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated with appropriate antibiotics. Effective prevention and control efforts focus on tick avoidance measures and early recognition of symptoms to reduce the incidence and impact of Rickettsia Spotted Fever group infections on public health. Laboratory diagnosis involves demonstration of a 4x rise in IgG-specific antibody titer by indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA) among others.