Genotyping, evolution and epidemiological findings of Rickettsia species.

Highlights: [•] Molecular approaches showed the widespread distribution of rickettsia. [•] Clinical awareness revealed the emergence of rickettsioses. [•] The sympatric mode of evolution allowed for horizontal DNA transfer. [•] Mutations of genes involved in the DNA repair and regulation may contribute to pathogenicity. [•] Toxin–antitoxin systems may be involved in the adaptation of rickettsia to their environments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]