STATUS OF THE RICKETTSIOSES IN THE UNITED STATES

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Abstract
In discussing the current status of the rickettsioses and their place in the practice of medicine during the next decade or so, the present report has emphasized the chains of infection in nature rather than the diseases in man, thus focusing attention on the ecologic factors which determine the degree of exposure of people to infection. It has been pointed out how common agricultural practices may contribute to a decrease in disease, viz., murine typhus, or, conversely, may contribute to its spread, viz., Q fever. It is postulated that in the future the indirect effects resulting from the way land is utilized will be more potent in influencing the number of human infections than will the direct efforts of health officers to control the diseases. Even though methods are available for preventing human infections by arthropod vector control or by immunization, it is well-nigh impossible to develop a crusading spirit or to obtain the tax .dollars necessary to reduce the rickettsioses below a level which approaches 1,000 cases annually. It behooves the physician and student of medicine to recognize the presence of rickettsial infection in his patients, since specific treatment will arrest the disease and prevent death.