Schedule Your

1 Parameter Included

Rickettsiae are obligate intracellular bacteria that primarily target vascular endothelial cells. The symptoms of rickettsial infections are primarily caused by the direct damage to these cells, as well as the subsequent release of prostaglandins, which further increase vascular permeability. This leads to fluid leakage, causing hypovolemia (a reduction in blood volume). In response, the body releases vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) to compensate for the fluid loss, which in turn increases sodium excretion and can result in hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood).