This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: Miscellaneous, Subject name: Social & Preventive Medicine
Epidemic typhus is caused by 
Select and explain. 
A. Rickettsia tsutsugamushi, B. Rickettsia Quintana, C. Rickettsia rickettsiae, D. Rickettsia prowazekii
D: Rickettsia prowazekii
Answer: D: Rickettsia prowazekii 
Explanation: (D) Rickettsia prowazekii # Epidemic typhus is caused by R. prowazekii.> R. prowazekii named after von Prowazek, who had contracted fatal typhus fever while investigating the disease. Amongst the options provided 'Louse' is the insect vector only for Rickettsia Prowazakii.# RICKETTSIAL INFECTION INSECT VECTORS:> Louse: Rickettsia Prowazekii (Epidemic typhus) Bartonella quintana (Trench fever)> Mites: Rickettsia tsutsugamushi (scrub typhus) Rickettsia akari (Rickettsial pox)> Ticks: Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever) Rickettsia conori (Ticky Typhus, Tick Fever) Rickettsia australis (Tick typhus) Rickettsia sibrica (Tick typhus)> Fleas: Rickettsia typhi (Endemic typhus)> Q Fever: Human infection occurs from inhalation of dust (No insect vectors) Etiological agent is Coxiella burneti Insect vector is None