Definition
Rickettsial refers to bacteria of the genus Rickettsia. These bacteria are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they must live inside host cells to survive. Rickettsial infections are transmitted to humans through arthropod vectors like ticks, fleas, or mites. These infections can cause diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and typhus. Understanding rickettsial diseases is crucial in public health. It is important in controlling the spread of such diseases.