ABSTRACT
Scrub typhus, a rickettsial disease endemic in several parts of India, usually presents with acute symptoms. It is caused by small intracellular Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the Rickettsiaceae family. Optic neuritis and lateral rectus palsy may be associated with a range of autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases and raised intracranial tension. In this case, we report optic neuritis and lateral rectus palsy induced by Orientia tsutsugamushi. We report a case of a 23-year-old woman presenting with complaints of high-grade fever, vomiting and generalized swelling since 5 days. During this febrile period, on 4/10/2021, she complained of difficulty in vision and double vision. She was found to be positive for scrub typhus on 5/10/2021. Optic neuritis was diagnosed on the basis of ophthalmologic examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain. Investigation was done to rule out autoimmune disorders (vasculitis and connective tissue diseases). Rickettsial optic neuritis was confirmed by detection of specific antibodies in serum and the negativity of other serologic tests. Fever, eschar, history of tick exposure and supportive diagnostic tests usually lead to the diagnosis. This case aims to raise awareness among the healthcare providers for this type of association. Scrub typhus should be included in the differential diagnosis when a patient presents with fever with or without eschar and isolated or multiple cranial nerve palsy
ABSTRACT
The disease caused by Rickettsia is an important zoonotic disease. Due to the complexity of the ecological environment of Xinjiang, the vectors, host and species of Rickettsia are complex and diverse; its natural foci are widely distributed, so they have brought great harm to local human health and livestock production. With global warming, rapid development of social economy and promotion of foreign economic and trade exchanges in Xinjiang, these may become potential factors for the diversity of Rickettsia vectors and hosts. In recent years, some rickettsial disease such as the onset of Q fever, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis, are increased at some areas of Xinjiang, thus, the Rickettsia and rickettsial diseases have been widely concerned. At present, a variety of new Rickettsia species have been detected and isolated from several areas of Xinjiang, and their public health significance have also been paid more and more attention. In this paper, we briefly summarized the research status about reported Rickettsia species identification, media host and popular distribution in the Xinjiang region over the past 20 years, to providing scientific basis for a systematic study and diagnosis, prevention and treatment of Rickettsia and rickettsial disease.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To study the clinical profile of children with scrub typhus and its association with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Methods: Children presenting with unexplained fever and multi-systemic involvement between May to December 2011 were tested for scrub typhus using IgM ELISA kits. Occurrence of Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in IgM positive cases of scrub typhus was studied. Results: Of the 35 children with unexplained fever and multi-systemic involvement, 15 children (9 boys) tested positive for scrub typhus. Thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia and raised hepatic transaminases were observed in all children. Out of seven children evaluated for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. 3 met the criteria for hemophagocytosis. Two children (one with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis) died. Conclusions: Scrub typhus is a common cause of unexplained fever in children in northern India. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis can occasionally complicate scrub typhus in children.
ABSTRACT
Since the first cases of tsutsugamushi disease reported in Korea in 1986, many cases has been reported and its occurrence has been increasing. Only 2 cases has been reported in Taegu city and Kyungpook area. We experienced an outbreak of 26 cases of tsutsugamushi disease in this area and their clinical manifestations are; 1. The outbreak occurred in September to November in 1988 and its peak occurrence was in October. 2. Mean age was 52 years old (18 to 69 years old) and peak incidence was in the 6th decade. 3. Major symptoms and abnormal signs are fever/chills (88%), myalgia (65%), headache (54%), nausea and vomiting (31%), and abdominal pain (27%). The eschar was detected on lower part of body in most of cases, and more frequently in male (M:F 100 vs 58%). 4. Patients were treated with tetracyclines (TC) and/or chlorampenicol (CM) and mean duration of defervescence from initiation of antibiotic therapy was 2.1days with TC and 2.5 days with CM. 5. Complications are 2 cases of meningitis and 1 case of shock, and all cases were recovered without any sequelae. As above, tsutsugamushi disease occurs in Taegu city and Kyung Pook area as other part of Korea and clinical manifestations are similar to other reports.