Endemic typhus is caused by which organism?

Prepare for the AAMI Microbiology exam for embalmers with our comprehensive quiz. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with explanations and hints to master exam content and enhance your study experience.

Endemic typhus, also known as murine typhus, is caused by Rickettsia typhi. This organism is transmitted to humans mainly via fleas that live on rats, which is why it’s associated with a rodent-flea cycle. It’s distinct from epidemic typhus, caused by Rickettsia prowazekii and spread by body lice; and from Rocky Mountain spotted fever, caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, or scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. So the organism responsible for endemic typhus is Rickettsia typhi.