Only 4 species of spotted fever group rickettsiae have been detected in humans in China. However, phylogenetic analysis of samples from 5 ill patients in China indicated infection with a novel spotted fever group Rickettsia, designated Rickettsia sp. XY99. Clinical signs resembled those of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome.
Keywords: China; Spotted fever group rickettsiae; human infection; rickettsia; rickettsiosis; ticks; vector-borne infections.