Definition

A type of very small bacteria that are carried by parasites like ticks and fleas, which can cause diseases such as typhus and Rocky Mountain spotted fever in humans.

Example

Rickettsia are known to be transmitted by ticks and can lead to serious illnesses.

Conversation

Have you heard about the dangers of rickettsia lately?

Yeah, I read that they can be spread by ticks and fleas.

It’s crazy how something so small can cause serious diseases.

I know, right? We should definitely be more careful when hiking.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Rickettsia → The word is derived from the name of the American pathologist Howard Ricketts, who studied the bacteria, combined with the suffix '-ia' (meaning condition or state). The term 'rickettsia' refers to a genus of bacteria that are typically transmitted by arthropods and are responsible for various diseases.

Memory Tip

Think of Howard Ricketts, the scientist who studied these bacteria, and remember that 'rickettsia' refers to the condition caused by these specific germs.

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