The spelling of the scientific name Dermacentroxenus rickettsi can be challenging, but the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) can help. "Der-ma-cen-tro-xe-nus" is pronounced [dɜrməˈsɛntrəʊˈzɛnəs], with the stress on the third syllable. "Rickettsi" is pronounced [rɪˈkɛtsi], with the stress on the second syllable. This species was named after Howard Taylor Ricketts, an American pathologist who studied infectious diseases. D. rickettsi is a rare parasitic mite found in wild rodents, and its discovery sheds light on the complex relationships between hosts and their parasites.
Dermacentroxenus rickettsi is a bacterium that belongs to the genus Dermacentroxenus within the family Anaplasmataceae. It is an obligate intracellular pathogen that causes a tick-borne disease called Dermacentroxenus rickettsi infection in domestic and wild ruminants.
This bacterium is gram-negative and is classified under the order Rickettsiales. It is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, particularly the species Ixodes ricinus. Once inside the host, Dermacentroxenus rickettsi infects various tissues and organs, particularly the red blood cells and neutrophils. The bacterium survives and multiplies within these cells, leading to the destruction of red blood cells and immune system dysfunction.
The infection caused by Dermacentroxenus rickettsi is characterized by clinical signs such as fever, anemia, weight loss, lethargy, and decreased milk production in affected animals. It can also lead to severe complications and secondary infections. Diagnosis of this disease is typically confirmed through blood and tissue sample analysis, using techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) tests.
Preventive measures against Dermacentroxenus rickettsi infection include tick control strategies, such as regular use of acaricides, avoiding tick-infested areas, and prompt removal of ticks from animals. There is currently no specific treatment available for this infection; however, supportive care and management of the clinical signs can help improve the animal's condition.
A paired, lanceolate, slender rodshaped or minute rounded microorganism, suggested as possibly the pathogenic agent in Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Dermacentroxenus rickettsi" is a scientific name used to refer to a species of bacteria called Rickettsia rickettsii, which causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Let's break down the etymology of this word:
1. Dermacentroxenus: The first part of the scientific name, "Dermacentroxenus", is a combination of three Greek words.
- "Derma" means "skin".
- "Kentron" means "center" or "point".
- "Xenos" means "foreign" or "stranger".
So, "Dermacentroxenus" roughly translates to "foreign point on the skin". This likely refers to the bacteria's ability to infect the skin and cause a rash.