New Insights into Rickettsia and Related Organisms

Dear Colleagues,

The causative agents of rickettsial (and related) diseases (including Rickettsia, Orientia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Coxiella) have historically plagued both civilian and military populations due to the cosmopolitan distribution of their associated vectors (ticks, fleas, mites, and lice).  Similarly, vector-transmitted microbes such as Borrelia, Babesia, and Bartonella are also capable of causing infections in humans/animals, which can be chronic and difficult to treat. Among the aforementioned micro-organisms, new species are consistently being described, detection is being reported beyond regions of endemicity, antibiotic-resistant strains have emerged, and the responsible vector populations have experienced shifting patterns due to environmental/climatic changes.  Moreover, the “flu-like” nature of these diseases can lead to potential delays in diagnosis/treatment, resulting in detriments to the patient.  Despite a wealth of ongoing advances geared towards better understanding these vector-borne pathogens, additional research is needed to explicitly refine the knowledge surrounding details such as host–microbe relationships, virulence mechanisms, genomics, genetic manipulation, immunological processes, vector populations/dynamics, model development, and microbe–microbe interactions.  It is the combination of these research outcomes that will ultimately boost our ongoing quest to develop superior diagnostic/therapeutic tools and will lead to the development of broadly protective vaccines.  The collaborative efforts of scientists worldwide are imperative to mitigate the global disease burden associated with these challenging microbes. 

Consequently, for this Special Issue, we invite manuscripts dedicated to all facets of research concerning Rickettsia, Orientia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Coxiella, Borrelia, Babesia, and Bartonella.  We look forward to your submission(s) and continuing to be part of the collaborative community of Rickettsia (and related diseases) research. 

Dr. Alison Luce-Fedrow
Dr. Kristin E. Mullins
Guest Editors

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