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File:IPLab9RMSF8.jpg|This is a high-power photomicrograph of a thrombosed vessel in the dermis. Note that the endothelial cells are missing along part of the circumference of the vessel (arrows)--this is where the main part of the thrombus has attached. Also note the inflammation surrounding the vessel.
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== Study Questions ==
* <spoiler text="What organism causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and how is it transmitted?">Rickettsia rickettsii. Rodent and dog ticks transmit R. rickettsii to man. Rickettsiae enter the skin with the bite or with scratching of skin covered with insect feces.</spoiler>
* <spoiler text="What is the usual clinical course of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?">An eschar develops at the site of the tick bite followed by a hemorrhagic rash that extends over the entire body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The vascular lesions that underlie the rash often lead to acute necrosis, fibrin extravasation, and thrombosis of the small blood vessels, including arterioles. In severe RMSF, foci of necrotic skin can form on the fingers, toes, elbows, ears, and scrotum.</spoiler>
* <spoiler text="How does Rickettsia rickettsii produce the vasculitis?">Rickettsiae predominantly infect host endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells causing a widespread vasculitis that may be complicated by thrombi and hemorrhages. Rickettsiae bind to cholesterol-containing receptors, are endocytosed into phagolysosomes, escape into the cytosol, and multiply until they burst the cells. Rickettsiae have an endotoxin but lack secreted toxins. In addition, R. rickettsii activate host kallikrein and kinins and cause local clotting.</spoiler>
{{IPLab 9}}
[[Category: IPLab:Lab 9]]