What is the Rickettsial Species Antibody Profile?

The Rickettsial Species Antibody Profile is a blood test that detects antibodies produced in response to rickettsial bacteria, a group of intracellular organisms transmitted mainly through ticks, fleas, mites, or lice.

Rickettsial infections include conditions such as spotted fever group rickettsioses and typhus group infections, which can cause systemic illness involving the skin, blood vessels, and internal organs.

This profile helps identify exposure to rickettsial organisms when symptoms and travel or exposure history suggest a vector-borne infection.

Why do I need a test for Rickettsial Species Antibodies?

Rickettsial infections can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble viral illness or flu-like infections. Antibody testing supports diagnosis when routine investigations are inconclusive.

Early identification is important, as untreated rickettsial disease can progress to severe systemic complications.

You may benefit from this test if you experience:

• Persistent fever of unknown origin

• Headache with fever

• Rash following insect or tick exposure

• Muscle or joint pain

• Fatigue or weakness

• Recent travel to endemic areas

• Occupational or outdoor exposure to ticks or fleas

• Suspected vector-borne infection

Benefits of the Rickettsial Species Antibody Profile

1. Supports diagnosis of vector-borne infections
   Identifies immune response to rickettsial organisms.

2. Useful in unexplained febrile illness
   Helps when routine infection tests are negative.

3. Assesses past or current exposure
   Differentiates previous contact from active immune response patterns.

4. Relevant for travel-related illness
   Useful after travel to endemic regions.

5. Supports investigation of rash-associated fever
   Characteristic rashes are common in rickettsial disease.

6. Non-invasive infectious disease assessment
   Requires only a blood sample.

7. Guides further clinical evaluation
   Helps determine need for specialist input.

8. Complements other infectious disease tests
   Often used alongside other vector-borne panels.

Step-by-step – how we offer Rickettsial Species Antibody testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic

• Attend your appointment

• Blood sample collected by a qualified clinician or phlebotomist

• Sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis

At-home or hotel testing (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home or hotel

• Blood sample collected in a comfortable, familiar setting

• No clinic visit or travel required

Both services are available UK-wide.

Your Rickettsial Species Antibody results explained

Negative antibodies

Negative results suggest no detectable immune response to rickettsial species at the time of testing. Very early infection may not yet produce detectable antibodies.

Clinical correlation with symptoms remains important.

UK reference interpretation:

• Negative: Not detected

Low or borderline antibody levels

Low-level antibodies may indicate early infection or past exposure. Interpretation depends on symptoms, exposure history, and antibody class detected.

Repeat testing or additional investigations may be advised.

UK reference interpretation:

• Borderline: Low-level antibodies detected

High antibody levels

High antibody titres suggest significant immune response and are more consistent with recent or active rickettsial infection.

Prompt clinical assessment is recommended.

UK reference interpretation:

• Positive: Elevated antibody levels