infectious diseases
Epidemic Typhus
Diagnosis of Epidemic Typhus
History and physical examination Biopsy of rash with fluorescent antibody staining to detect organisms Acute and convalescent serologic testing (serologic testing not useful acutely) Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Louse infestation is usually obvious and strongly suggests typhus if history (eg, living in or visiting an endemic area) suggests possible exposure. For details, see Diagnosis . 