Walker, David H.Montenegro, Mario R. [UNESP]Hegarty, Barbara C.Tringali, Giuseppe R.2022-04-282022-04-281984-01-01Southern Medical Journal, v. 77, n. 4, p. 447-449, 1984.1541-82430038-4348http://hdl.handle.net/11449/223905Because the killed Rickettsia vaccines have failed to provide protection against Rocky Mountain spotted fever, we approached the problem of protective immunity to Rickettsia rickettsii with a closely related, live, less pathogenic spotted fever Rickettsia. Guinea pigs vaccinated with R conorii produced antibodies to spotted fever group rickettsiae and did not have fever or other signs of illness after challenge with R rickettsii. A vaccine against Rocky Mountain spotted fever would be useful in some medical practices in the southeastern United States because of the life-threatening nature of the disease, including the possibility of a fulminant course and the frequent difficulty in diagnosis. Further studies should be pursued toward the goal of developing an effective vaccine against Rocky Mountain spotted fever. © 1984 Southern Medical Association.447-449engArtigo10.1097/00007611-198404000-000092-s2.0-0021333218