Question:

Indian tick typhus is caused by which organism?

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It is a tick borne spotted fever group rickettsia spread by the dog tick.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • R. typhi
  • R. conorii
  • R. akari
  • C. burnetii
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Indian tick typhus belongs to the spotted fever group of rickettsial diseases, which are tick borne.

Step 2: Rickettsia conorii is the agent of the spotted fever group that causes Indian tick typhus as well as the closely related Mediterranean spotted fever (boutonneuse fever). It is transmitted by the dog tick.

Step 3: The other options do not fit. R. typhi causes endemic (murine) typhus and is flea borne. R. akari causes rickettsialpox and is mite borne. Coxiella burnetii causes Q fever, which is usually acquired by inhalation rather than by tick bite in classic presentation.

Step 4: Therefore Indian tick typhus is caused by R. conorii.
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