Thyphus

Thyphus is any of several similar diseases caused by Rickettsiae.The name comes from the Greek //typhos// (τῦφος) meaning smoky or hazy, describing the state of mind of those affected with typhus. The causative organism Rickettsia is an obligte parasite and cannot survive for long outside living cells. Typhus should not be confused with thyphoid fever, as the diseases are unrelated.



Typhus was also common in prisons (and in crowded conditions where lice spread easily), where it was known as //gaol fever// or //jail fever//, and often occurs when prisoners are frequently huddled together in dark,