Rickettsias are more widespread than previously believed and are known to be associated with arthropods, leeches, and protists. Divisions have also been identified in the spotted fever group and this group likely should be divided into two clades. . Arthropod-inhabiting rickettsiae are generally associated with reproductive manipulation (such as parthenogenesis) to persist in host lineage.
rickEtTsIas are more widesPrEad Than previoUSlY belIEVed aND are kNoWN to bE associatED WiTh ArtHROpods, lEeCHes, and ProTIstS. dIViSiOns havE aLso beEN ideNtIfied in tHE SpotteD feVer GROuP And thiS gRoup liKely SHoUld Be diVIDed intO twO clades. . Arthropod-inhabiTinG rickettsIAe are GeneraLLY aSSociateD wItH rEProducTIve ManipuLAtioN (such As PaRthEnOgeNesis) to perSiST In HOST LInEAge.