There are tests to diagnose RMSF, but these are performed in only a few laboratories. Because the results of these tests take so long to obtain, they are seldom used. This is because delaying treatment is the main cause of death in patients with RMSF
It is appropriate to shorten Rocky Mountain spotted fever to simply RMSF. It is a term used by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Glucose tests are used to measure the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. They are commonly used to diagnose and monitor diabetes, as well as to assess hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. These tests are also used in screening for gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
Tests such as serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) are commonly used to measure the body's iron levels and storage. These tests help diagnose conditions like iron deficiency anemia or iron overload.
No. While insects are used as a way of getting a rough estimate of water quality, chemical tests need to be used to get precise data.
Litmus paper is not typically used in ovulation tests. Ovulation tests usually detect a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in urine to predict when ovulation is about to occur. This is different from the pH testing that litmus paper is commonly used for.
It is appropriate to shorten Rocky Mountain spotted fever to simply RMSF. It is a term used by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The bacterial culprit in RMSF is called Rickettsia rickettsii. It causes no illness in the tick carrying it, and can be passed on to the tick's offspring.
The rash of RMSF is quite characteristic. It usually begins on the fourth day of the illness, and occurs in at least 90% of all patients with RMSF. It starts around the wrists and ankles, as flat pink marks (called macules).
Prior to the regular use of antibiotics to treat RMSF, the death rate was about 25%. Although the death rate from RMSF has improved greatly with an understanding of the importance of early use of antibiotics, there is still a 5% death rate.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a tick-borne illness caused by a bacteria, resulting in a high fever and a characteristic rash.
The bacteria causing RMSF is passed to humans through the bite of an infected tick. The illness begins within about two weeks of such a bite.
It is essential to begin treatment absolutely as soon as RMSF is seriously suspected. Delaying treatment can result in death.
About 5% of all ticks carry the causative bacteria. Children under the age of 15 years have the majority of RMSF infections.
Certain risk factors suggest a worse outcome in RMSF. Death rates are higher in males and increase as people age. It is considered a bad prognostic sign to develop symptoms of RMSF within only two to five days of a tick bite.
Rickettsia rickettsii is the scientific name for RMSF. The common name for it is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Unlike rashes which accompany various viral infections, the rash of RMSF does spread to the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Over a couple of days, the macules turn a reddish purple color.
Diagnosis of RMSF is almost always made on the basis of the characteristic symptoms, coupled with either a known tick bite (noted by about 60-70% of patients) or exposure to an area known to harbor ticks.