Increased Seroprevalence of Typhus Group Rickettsiosis, Galveston County, Texas, USA

Abstract

Whether increases in typhus group rickettsiosis in Galveston County, Texas, USA, are caused by increased recognition or true reemergence is unclear. We conducted a serosurvey that demonstrated Rickettsia typhi antibodies increased from 1.2% in 2013 to 7.8% in 2021 (p<0.001). These findings support pathogen reemergence rather than enhanced recognition alone.

Keywords

• Rickettsia
• bacteria
• vector-borne infections
• parasites
• zoonoses
• Rickettsia typhi