Rickettsia raoultii was initially described in 1999 and the new species was published in 2008. As with R. slovaca, although to a lesser degree, this species has been associated with tick-borne lymphadenopathy (TIBOLA), also know as Demacentor-borne necrosis erythema and lymphadenopathy (DEBONEL). This syndrome is defined as the association of a tick bite, an inoculation eschar on the scalp, and cervical lymphadenopathies. Rickettsia raoultii has been found throughout Europe.