Which bacteria are transmitted by arthropods and may cause diseases in humans?

Rickettsias are a group of bacteria that are known for being transmitted by arthropods, such as ticks and fleas. These bacteria are responsible for various diseases in humans, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and typhus. They are classified as obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they must live within the cells of their host organisms to survive and replicate, which often leads to pathogenic effects in humans.

The connection between arthropods and the transmission of Rickettsias highlights their role as vectors, which are organisms that carry and transmit pathogens to their hosts. This specific relationship is crucial for understanding how certain infectious diseases spread in human populations.

In contrast, mycoplasmas are a type of bacteria that lack a cell wall and are not typically associated with arthropod transmission. Viruses consist of different types of infectious agents, which can be transmitted by arthropods; however, they are not categorized as bacteria. Pathogens is a broad term that includes various infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, but does not specifically refer to those transmitted by arthropods. Thus, Rickettsias are uniquely identified within the context of this question for their association with vectors and their capacity to cause diseases in humans.