TRN-RP has three main focus areas which are consistent with the network objectives.

Focus Area 1: Regional Risk and Burden
Epidemiological studies of the disease have not fully captured the prevalence and variance of rickettsioses throughout Southeast Asia. This focus area may:

• Conduct consolidated studies across the region
• Define at risk locations and populations
• Research regional burdens and economic impact of infections

Working group 1 Ecology
Objective:
To establish protocols for field sampling and develop platform for communicating protocols

Working group 2 Website
Objective:
To develop an online-platform for being a key communication pathway of the rickettsia research network and for reporting cases of rickettsial diseases including disseminating information on rickettsial diseases to multi-disciplinary researchers, health implementers, health policy makers, and general public.

Working group 3 Literature Review
Objective:
To set literature review foci and bounds

Focus Area 2: Detection and Diagnosis
The most commonly used tests to diagnose Rickettsia infections lack sensitivity and specificity and are not particularly useful for acute diagnosis in an endemic setting; however, they are commonly employed because they are the cheapest and quickest option for low-resourced settings. This focus area may:

• Survey available diagnostics Test and evaluate current diagnostics
• Survey national case definitions for rickettsial pathogens

Working group 4 Diagnostics
Objective:
To survey existing molecular and serological tests and survey available reagents and SOPs

Focus Area 3: Pathogenicity and Immune Response, Treatment, and Prevention
Clinical recognition is a challenge due to vast variability and non-specific presentation of symptoms for rickettsial infections. This focus area may:

• Research human susceptibility
• Research current and new treatments
• Research host-pathogen interaction
• Research pathogen diversity for vaccine development