, an Emerging Flea-Borne Rickettsiosis.

is an emerging insect-borne rickettsial pathogen and the causative agent of flea-borne spotted fever. First described as a human pathogen from the USA in 1991, is now identified throughout the world and considered a common cause of fever in Africa. The cosmopolitan distribution of this pathogen is credited to the equally widespread occurrence of cat fleas (), the primary vector and reservoir of . Although is a relatively new member of the pathogenic , limited knowledge of basic biology continues to hinder research progression of this unique bacterium. This is a comprehensive review examining what is known and unknown relative to transmission biology, epidemiology of the disease, and genetics, with an insight into areas of needed investigation.