A wide range of human pathogens (viruses, bacteria, protozoa) are transmitted by ticks, fleas, mites and lice worldwide. Some of these infections occur in Australia1, whereas others appear to be absent, although they may occur in returned travellers. The key to diagnosis is two-fold: recognition of the possibility of a vector-borne infection by the treating doctor and confirmation of the diagnosis in a diagnostic, microbiology laboratory. Laboratory diagnostic assays include culture (used rarely), nucleic acid amplification (used increasingly) and serology (used often).