| rhipicephalus ticks infected with rickettsia and coxiella in southern switzerland (canton ticino). | ticks of the rhipicephalus sanguineus species complex may be vector of various pathogens including rickettsia conorii (the etiological agent of the mediterranean spotted fever) and coxiella burnetii (cause of the query (q) fever). r. sanguineus ticks have been imported in several parts of central and northern europe, especially in environments such as kennels and houses providing the appropriate microclimatic conditions and the blood source necessary for their survival. since 1940 these ticks ha ... | 2002 | 12797987 |