This disease can be challenging to diagnose because the initial signs are non-descript and relatively common. Analyzing recent travel history can be vital in the beginning stages of treatment. Serological assays are the best means of diagnosing this disease, with the indirect microimmunofluorescence assay (IFA) being considered the best tool. However, underlying illnesses, such as rheumatologic and other immune-mediated disorders, can lead to false positives. To combat these limitations, a PCR test may also be used; this test looks for rickettsial DNA. It can sensitively detect the target DNA in a sample taken from an eschar or blood during the first few days of infection.
Queensland tick typhus
Flying squirrel typhus
North Asian tick typhus
African tick bite fever
American tick bite fever
Scrub typhus
Murine typhus
Epidemic typhus