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Liang Y, Wang H, Sun K, Sun J, Soong L. Lack of the IFN-γ signal leads to lethal Orientia tsutsugamushi infection in mice with skin eschar lesions. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012020. [PMID: 38743761 PMCID: PMC11125519 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus is an acute febrile disease due to Orientia tsutsugamushi (Ot) infection and can be life-threatening with organ failure, hemorrhage, and fatality. Yet, little is known as to how the host reacts to Ot bacteria at early stages of infection; no reports have addressed the functional roles of type I versus type II interferon (IFN) responses in scrub typhus. In this study, we used comprehensive intradermal (i.d.) inoculation models and two clinically predominant Ot strains (Karp and Gilliam) to uncover early immune events. Karp infection induced sequential expression of Ifnb and Ifng in inflamed skin and draining lymph nodes at days 1 and 3 post-infection. Using double Ifnar1-/-Ifngr1-/- and Stat1-/- mice, we found that deficiency in IFN/STAT1 signaling resulted in lethal infection with profound pathology and skin eschar lesions, which resembled to human scrub typhus. Further analyses demonstrated that deficiency in IFN-γ, but not IFN-I, resulted in impaired NK cell and macrophage activation and uncontrolled bacterial growth and dissemination, leading to metabolic dysregulation, excessive inflammatory cell infiltration, and exacerbated tissue damage. NK cells were found to be the major cellular source of innate IFN-γ, contributing to the initial Ot control in the draining lymph nodes. In vitro studies with dendritic cell cultures revealed a superior antibacterial effect offered by IFN-γ than IFN-β. Comparative in vivo studies with Karp- and Gilliam-infection revealed a crucial role of IFN-γ signaling in protection against progression of eschar lesions and Ot infection lethality. Additionally, our i.d. mouse models of lethal infection with eschar lesions are promising tools for immunological study and vaccine development for scrub typhus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuejin Liang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Hui Wang
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Keer Sun
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jiaren Sun
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lynn Soong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
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Vanramliana, Pautu L, Lalmalsawma P, Rosangkima G, Sarma DK, Chinzah H, Malvi Y, Kodali NK, Amarthaluri C, Balasubramani K, Balabaskaran Nina P. Epidemiology of scrub typhus and other rickettsial infections (2018-22) in the hyper-endemic setting of Mizoram, North-East India. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011688. [PMID: 37910591 PMCID: PMC10642901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the past decade, scrub typhus cases have been reported across India, even in regions that had no previous history of the disease. In the North-East Indian state of Mizoram, scrub typhus cases were first recorded only in 2012. However, in the last five years, the state has seen a substantial increase in the scrub typhus and other rickettsial infections. As part of the public health response, the Mizoram Government has integrated screening and line listing of scrub typhus and other rickettsial infections across all its health settings, a first in India. Here we detail the epidemiology of scrub typhus and other rickettsial infections from 2018-2022, systematically recorded across the state of Mizoram. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The line-listed data positive for scrub typhus and other rickettsial infections identified by rapid immunochromatographic test and/or Weil-Felix test from 2018-22 was used for the analysis. During this period, 22,914 cases of rickettsial infections were recorded, out of which 19,651 were scrub typhus cases. Aizawl is the worst affected, with 10,580 cases (46.17%). The average incidence of rickettsial infections is 3.54 cases per 1000 persons-year, and the case fatality rate is 0.35. Only ∼2% of the reported scrub typhus cases had eschar. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicate patients with eschar (aOR = 2.5, p<0.05), occupational workers [farmers (aOR:3.9), businessmen (aOR:1.8), construction workers (aOR:17.9); p<0.05], and children (≤10 years) (aOR = 5.4, p<0.05) have higher odds of death due to rickettsial infections. CONCLUSION The integration of systematic surveillance and recording of rickettsial diseases across Mizoram has shed important insights into their prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. This study underscores the importance of active surveillance of rickettsial infections across India, as the burden could be substantially higher, and is probably going undetected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanramliana
- Department of Life Sciences, Pachhunga University College, Mizoram University, Mizoram, India
| | - Lalfakzuala Pautu
- Department of Life Sciences, Pachhunga University College, Mizoram University, Mizoram, India
- Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, Health & Family Welfare Department, Mizoram, India
| | - Pachuau Lalmalsawma
- Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, Health & Family Welfare Department, Mizoram, India
| | - Gabriel Rosangkima
- Department of Life Sciences, Pachhunga University College, Mizoram University, Mizoram, India
| | - Devojit Kumar Sarma
- ICMR- National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhauri, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Hunropuia Chinzah
- Department of Life Sciences, Pachhunga University College, Mizoram University, Mizoram, India
| | - Yogesh Malvi
- Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, Health & Family Welfare Department, Mizoram, India
| | - Naveen Kumar Kodali
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Christiana Amarthaluri
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, India
| | | | - Praveen Balabaskaran Nina
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, India
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Lamichhane P, Pokhrel KM, Alghalyini B, Zaidi ARZ, Alshehery MZ, Khanal K, Bhattarai M, Yadav A. Epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and complications of scrub typhus infection in Nepal: a systematic review. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:5022-5030. [PMID: 37811079 PMCID: PMC10553080 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Scrub typhus (ST) is a neglected tropical disease of serious concern in Nepal. This systematic review aims to describe the burden of disease, clinical presentation, and complications of ST infection in Nepal. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and national databases was conducted for any literature published in English between January 2000 and January 2023. Any type of study design (observational studies, case series, and interventional studies) that reported laboratory-confirmed ST and was conducted in Nepal among patients of all age groups was included. The seroprevalence of ST among acute undifferentiated febrile illness (AUFI) cases, geographical distribution, monthly distribution, clinical presentations, complications, and treatment were assessed by the study. Result A total of 15 studies with 10, 977 participants were included in the review. The seroprevalence of ST among the AUFI cases in Nepal was 19.31%. Young people at or below 20 years of age were mostly affected. The maximum number of cases were reported from Bagmati province (59.46%) and in the month of August (26.33%). Fever, headache, cough, shortness of breath, nausea, and abdominal pain were the clinical characteristics in decreasing order of occurrence. The most common complication was acute kidney injury, followed by respiratory problems, cardiac issues, and neurological manifestations. The case fatality rate of ST in Nepal was 2.56%. Conclusion The authors findings showed a significant burden of ST among AUFI cases in Nepal. Improved surveillance, general public awareness, and early detection post-calamities could help reduce the disease burden and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Baraa Alghalyini
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul Rehman Zia Zaidi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maied Z. Alshehery
- Department of Palliative Care, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kapil Khanal
- Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Madhur Bhattarai
- Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Alisha Yadav
- Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Acharya N, Acharya S, Shukla S, Potdar J, Waghe T, Kabra R. Acute Onset Postpartum Pleural Effusion: A Near-Miss Maternal Case Due to Scrub Typhus Infection. Cureus 2023; 15:e35142. [PMID: 36949983 PMCID: PMC10027019 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
A 32-year-old puerperal patient developed acute onset breathlessness and fever on the third postoperative day. On evaluation, the patient was diagnosed to have scrub typhus pneumonia without any characteristic eschar. The condition was associated with pleural effusion, and it was drained. Azithromycin was used as the drug of choice due to the peripartum status of this patient. The patient improved due to early detection and multidisciplinary timely care. The safe outcome of this near-miss case suggests that fever profile workup, especially in scrub typhus endemic areas, should include scrub typhus testing even if classical signs are absent in the peripartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neema Acharya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Datta Meghe Institute of Health and Education Research (DMIHER), Wardha, IND
| | - Sourya Acharya
- Department of Medicine, Datta Meghe Institute of Health and Education Research (DMIHER), Wardha, IND
| | - Samarth Shukla
- Department of Pathology, Datta Meghe Institute of Health and Education Research (DMIHER), Wardha, IND
| | - Jyotsana Potdar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Datta Meghe Institute of Health and Education Research (DMIHER), Wardha, IND
| | - Tejal Waghe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Datta Meghe Institute of Health and Education Research (DMIHER), Wardha, IND
| | - Ruchita Kabra
- Department of Medicine, Datta Meghe Institute of Health and Education Research (DMIHER), Wardha, IND
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Dey RK, Imad HA, Aung PL, Faisham M, Moosa M, Hasna M, Afaa A, Ngamprasertchai T, Matsee W, Nguitragool W, Nakayama EE, Shioda T. Concurrent Infection with SARS-CoV-2 and Orientia tsutsugamushi during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Maldives. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8020082. [PMID: 36828498 PMCID: PMC9959419 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8020082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic was the worst public-health crisis in recent history. The impact of the pandemic in tropical regions was further complicated by other endemic tropical diseases, which can cause concurrent infections along with COVID-19. Here, we describe the clinical course of a patient with concurrent COVID-19 and scrub typhus infection. The patient's de-identified clinical data were retrieved retrospectively. The patient had progressive breathlessness at the time of presentation and was hospitalized for COVID-19. Respiratory examination revealed dyspnea, tachypnea, and coarse crepitations bilaterally over the entire lung field. Oxygenation was impaired, and a PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 229 suggested acute respiratory distress syndrome. Laboratory tests indicated leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, ferritinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and transaminitis. Upon revaluation for persistent fever, physical examination revealed an eschar in the right antecubital fossa. Serology further confirmed scrub typhus, with IgM and IgG antibody positivity. A remarkable clinical recovery was achieved with doxycycline. The COVID-19 pandemic might have masked endemic tropical diseases. Clinicians working in endemic regions must always consider common tropical diseases that may present as a co-infection, as in our case. Travel and exposure history are critical guides for narrowing down a differential diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajib Kumar Dey
- Department of Medicine, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Malé 20002, Maldives
| | - Hisham Ahmed Imad
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Thai Travel Clinic, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Department of Viral Infections, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Correspondence: or
| | - Pyae Linn Aung
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Mohamed Faisham
- Department of Medicine, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Malé 20002, Maldives
| | - Muaz Moosa
- Department of Medicine, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Malé 20002, Maldives
| | - Mariyam Hasna
- Department of Medicine, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Malé 20002, Maldives
| | - Aminath Afaa
- Department of Medicine, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Malé 20002, Maldives
| | - Thundon Ngamprasertchai
- Thai Travel Clinic, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Wasin Matsee
- Thai Travel Clinic, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Wang Nguitragool
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Emi E. Nakayama
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Department of Viral Infections, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Shioda
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Department of Viral Infections, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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Treatment outcomes of oral doxycycline versus intravenous azithromycin in adults hospitalized with scrub typhus: A retrospective study using inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) propensity analysis. Travel Med Infect Dis 2022; 52:102525. [PMID: 36549418 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Only a few well-designed studies that have investigated the effectiveness of azithromycin in treating adult patients hospitalized with scrub typhus are currently available. The purpose of our study was to compare the effects of intravenous azithromycin administration with those of oral doxycycline, and to evaluate cardiovascular death associated with intravenous azithromycin in adult patients hospitalized with scrub typhus. METHODS This retrospective study investigated Korean National Infectious Disease Cohort Collaborative-registered scrub typhus-infected patients who were hospitalized between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2021, and who were ≥18 years old. The primary outcome was time to fever clearance and the secondary outcomes were treatment failure, relapse, scrub typhus-related death, or azithromycin-related cardiovascular death. To address any indication bias, inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis was performed. Times to fever clearance between the doxycycline and azithromycin groups were compared using log-rank tests and Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS A total of 326 consecutive patients with laboratory-confirmed scrub typhus were included in this study of whom 109 were treated with azithromycin and 217 with doxycycline. Using IPTW, there were no statistically significant differences in the following end points between the azithromycin and doxycycline groups: median time to fever clearance (3 days vs. 3 days, P = 0.649), treatment failure (0.71% vs. 0.42%, P = 0.702), relapse (0.0% vs. 0.0%), and scrub typhus-related death (5.12% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.155). No azithromycin-related cardiovascular deaths occurred. In the sensitivity analyses, there were no significant changes in effect size. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that the therapeutic effects and safety of intravenous azithromycin are comparable to those of oral doxycycline administration in patients hospitalized with scrub typhus. A well-designed randomized controlled trial may help further evaluate the most adequate route of administration, dose and duration of treatment with azithromycin.
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Acharya A, Bhattarai T. Meningoencephalitis: A Rare Presentation of Scrub Typhus. Cureus 2022; 14:e29597. [PMID: 36176481 PMCID: PMC9511954 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus is a mite-born acute febrile illness endemic to a part of the world known as the “tsutsugamushi triangle,” which also includes Nepal. It has a wide range of presentations with multiple organ involvement, including meningoencephalitis. We present a unique case of a 30-year-old lady with scrub typhus meningoencephalitis, which showed drastic improvement with doxycycline. This case highlights the importance of high suspicion in an endemic area with limited diagnostic facilities. With the early initiation of empirical therapy, fatal complications of scrub typhus infection such as meningoencephalitis can be prevented.
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Upadhyaya A, Alam MR, Raeen AA, Upadhyaya S, Pathania M, Upadhyaya S, Sivanu K. Scrub Typhus Meningoencephalitis: An Overlooked Entity. Cureus 2022; 14:e28989. [PMID: 36133506 PMCID: PMC9471502 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus is common in rural parts of Nepal, but its diagnosis remains difficult due to a lack of clinical suspicion and poor diagnostic resources. The absence of common clinical features further complicates this problem. Acute kidney injury (AKI), myocarditis, rhabdomyolysis, hepatitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and meningoencephalitis are complications of the disease associated with high mortality. Overlap findings can be noted in scrub typhus meningoencephalitis and other tropical infections. This makes diagnosing the disease more challenging, especially in areas where the burden of infectious diseases is high. We report three cases of scrub typhus meningoencephalitis. All three patients were treated successfully with doxycycline. Because patients with scrub typhus have an excellent response to treatment, delay in treatment and rate of complications can be prevented with high clinical suspicion of the condition.
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Clinical Outcomes of Doxycycline, Azithromycin, and Chloramphenicol for the Treatment of Severe Patients with Scrub Typhus. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2022; 60:106647. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2022.106647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Kamath SD, Kumari S, Sunder A. A Study of the Profile of Scrub Typhus in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Jharkhand: An Underestimated Problem. Cureus 2022; 14:e26503. [PMID: 35923476 PMCID: PMC9339375 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objective Scrub typhus (ST) is a rickettsial infection caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, which is transmitted by the bite of the larval stage (chiggers) of trombiculid mites. Although it presents as an acute undifferentiated febrile illness (AUFI), its course can be complicated with acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute kidney injury (AKI), myocarditis, meningoencephalitis, hepatitis, multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and ultimately death. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological features, clinical profile, laboratory features, and clinical outcomes of cases of scrub typhus and identify the predictors of disease severity. Methods and materials This study is a retrospective observational study that included confirmed cases of scrub typhus admitted in the medical wards and critical care unit (CCU) of Tata Main Hospital (TMH) from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. The case records of patients were analyzed for demographic characteristics, clinical features, treatment, and outcomes, which included length of stay (LOS), complications, and mortality. The required odds ratio (OR) was calculated, univariate and binary regression analyses were done, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Of the 42 confirmed cases, 38.1% were males and 61.9% were females. The average age of male patients was 12.6 ± 11.2 years, while that of females was 22 ± 19.3 years. Of the patients, 64.3% were in the age group of 1-20 years. The clinical manifestations in descending order were fever (71.2%), skin rash (19.1%), cough (16.7%), vomiting (28.6%), altered sensorium (23.8%), abdominal pain (23.8%), loose stools (14.3%), seizures (14.3%), anasarca (9.7%), breathlessness (9.7%), and melena (7.1%). Eschar was noted in 38.1% of patients. Swelling of the body (6.7%) and lymphadenopathy (10%) were seen exclusively in children. The common laboratory abnormalities observed were leukocytosis in 34.3% of cases; thrombocytopenia in 68.8% of cases, of which 25% of patients had platelets < 50,000/mm3; and transaminitis in 87.5% of cases. The ratio of AST/ALT of more than one was seen in 89.3% of patients, while it was less than one in 10.7% of patients. The average C-reactive protein (CRP) level was 10.9 ± 6.3 mg/dL. The complications noted were acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (16.7%), meningoencephalitis (21.4%), septic shock (14.3%), capillary leak syndrome (26.2%), thrombocytopenia (68.8%), transaminitis (87.5%), myocarditis (4.8%), disseminated intravascular coagulation (2.4%), and hypocalcemia (11.9%). The average length of stay (LOS) was 8.1 ± 4.2 days. Twenty-four (57.2%) patients required transfer to the critical care unit (CCU) for managing various complications. There was no mortality in this series, giving rise to the case fatality ratio (CFR) of 0. Conclusion Scrub typhus is a reemerging cause of acute febrile illness. The highest number of cases were found during the post-monsoon period and in those with rural backgrounds. It presents with varying clinical manifestations with or without eschar. Hence, a high degree of suspicion along with a thorough clinical examination is needed to diagnose this condition. The disease responds dramatically to doxycycline. One must be aware of its complications and atypical presentations, as a timely diagnosis can reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease.
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Basu S, Chakravarty A. Neurological Manifestations of Scrub Typhus. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2022; 22:491-498. [PMID: 35727462 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-022-01215-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The occurrence of cases of scrub typhus is on the rise in South Asian and Southeast Asian countries. The present review discusses neurological complications following scrub typhus to appraise clinicians practicing in endemic regions about considering this treatable disease in the differential diagnosis of acute febrile illnesses, especially when accompanied with clinical neurological features. RECENT FINDINGS While the association of aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, and meningoencephalitis with scrub typhus is well known, more recently described neurological syndromes associated with scrub typhus include acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, various cranial nerve palsies, cerebellitis, cerebrovascular diseases including cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, transverse myelitis, longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome, parkinsonism, and many more. Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment. While diagnostic confirmation is generally made by the detection of IgM antibody by either ELISA or indirect fluorescent antibody tests, conventional PCR using 56 kDa gene (cPCR) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (LAMP assay), as well as a newly introduced metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), are currently available for detection of Orientia tsutsugamushi infection in clinically suspected cases. Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. The cutaneous hallmark of the disease is the "eschar." Scrub typhus results in multisystem involvement. Neurological compromise is present in about 20% of scrub typhus patients and affects both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The postulated underlying mechanisms include direct invasion of the organism, a vasculitis-like process, or an immune-mediated injury. Diagnosis of scrub typhus is confirmed by detection of O. tsutsugamushi IgM antibody in serum. Awareness among clinicians regarding the varied presentations of this disease is very important in order to reduce morbidity and mortality. Co-infection with dengue and/or chickungunya viruses may occur in endemic regions. The history of an acute febrile illness preceding the neurological illness is crucial. A very careful search for the eschar is essential; however, the absence of the skin lesion cannot exclude the diagnosis of scrub typhus. Neurological manifestations mostly respond to doxycycline therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Basu
- Department of Neurology, KPC Medical College, Kolkata, India
| | - Ambar Chakravarty
- Department of Neurology, Vivekananda Institute of Medical Science, Kolkata, India.
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Guan XG, Wei YH, Jiang BG, Zhou SX, Zhang AR, Lu QB, Zhou ZW, Chen JJ, Zhang HY, Ji Y, Yang Y, Fang LQ, Li H, Yang ZC, Liu W. Clinical characteristics and risk factors for severe scrub typhus in pediatric and elderly patients. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010357. [PMID: 35486642 PMCID: PMC9053809 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Scrub typhus (ST) is a life-threatening infectious disease if appropriate treatment is unavailable. Large discrepancy of clinical severity of ST patients was reported among age groups, and the underlying risk factors for severe disease are unclear. Methods Clinical and epidemiological data of ST patients were collected in 55 surveillance hospitals located in Guangzhou City, China, from 2012 to 2018. Severe prognosis and related factors were determined and compared between pediatric and elderly patients. Results A total of 2,074 ST patients including 209 pediatric patients and 1,865 elderly patients were included, with a comparable disease severity rate of 11.0% (95% CI 7.1%–16.1%) and 10.3% (95% CI 9.0%–11.8%). Different frequencies of clinical characteristics including lymphadenopathy, skin rash, enlarged tonsils, etc. were observed between pediatric and elderly patients. Presence of peripheral edema and decreased hemoglobin were the most important predictors of severe illness in pediatric patients with adjusted ORs by 38.99 (9.96–152.67, p<0.001) and 13.22 (1.54–113.50, p = 0.019), respectively, while presence of dyspnea and increased total bilirubin were the potential determinants of severe disease in elderly patients with adjusted ORs by 11.69 (7.33–18.64, p<0.001) and 3.17 (1.97–5.11, p<0.001), respectively. Compared with pediatric patients, elderly patients were more likely to receive doxycycline (64.8% v.s 9.9%, p<0.001), while less likely to receive azithromycin therapy (5.0% v.s 41.1%, p<0.001). Conclusion The disease severity rate is comparable between pediatric and elderly ST patients, while different clinical features and laboratory indicators were associated with development of severe complications for pediatric and elderly patients, which is helpful for diagnosis and progress assessment of disease for ST patients. The study investigated different clinical features and risk factors for severe disease between pediatric and elderly patients with scrub typhus. We found that significantly higher frequencies of lymphadenopathy, skin rash, enlarged tonsils, etc. were observed in pediatric patients than elderly patients. Other non-specific signs, subjective complaints, and chest radiographic abnormality were overpresented in elderly patients. Risk factors for severe disease between pediatric and elderly patients with scrub typhus were different. Presence of peripheral edema and decreased hemoglobin were the most important factors for pediatric patients, while presence of dyspnea and increased total bilirubin for elderly patients. These findings reminded medical workers to acknowledge this important difference and to adopt an age specific method in the differential diagnosis and risk assessment for scrub typhus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Gang Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yue-Hong Wei
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bao-Gui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Xia Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - An-Ran Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qing-Bin Lu
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zi-Wei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Jin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Yang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Professions, and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Li-Qun Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- * E-mail: (LQF); (HL); (ZCY); (WL)
| | - Hao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (LQF); (HL); (ZCY); (WL)
| | - Zhi-Cong Yang
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (LQF); (HL); (ZCY); (WL)
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (LQF); (HL); (ZCY); (WL)
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13
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Jang WS, Lim DH, Choe YL, Nam J, Moon KC, Kim C, Choi M, Park I, Park DW, Lim CS. Developing a multiplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (LAMP) to determine severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) and scrub typhus. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262302. [PMID: 35171943 PMCID: PMC8849512 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) and scrub typhus are endemic zoonotic diseases that pose significant public health threats in East Asia. As these two diseases share common clinical features, as well as overlapping disease regions, it is difficult to differentiate between SFTS and scrub typhus. A multiplex reverse-transcription loop‑mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay was developed to detect large segments and GroES genes for SFTS virus (SFTSV) and Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT). The performance of the RT-LAMP assay was compared and evaluated with those of commercial PowerChek™ SFTSV real-time PCR and LiliF™ TSUTSU nested PCR for 23 SFTS and 12 scrub typhus clinical samples, respectively. The multiplex SFTSV/OT/Internal control (IC) RT-LAMP assay showed comparable sensitivity (91.3%) with that of commercial PowerChek™ SFTSV Real-time PCR (95.6%) and higher sensitivity (91.6%) than that of LiliF™ TSUTSU nested PCR (75%). In addition, the multiplex SFTSV/OT RT-LAMP assay showed 100% specificity and no cross-reactivity for blood from uninfected healthy patients and samples from patients infected with other fever viruses. Thus, the multiplex SFTSV/OT/IC RT-LAMP assay could serve as a useful point-of-care molecular diagnostic test for SFTS and scrub typhus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woong Sik Jang
- Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Da Hye Lim
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Lan Choe
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeonghun Nam
- Department of Song‐do Bio Engineering, Incheon Jaeneung University, Incheon, Korea
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)‐Bio Research Center, Incheon Jaeneung University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Kyung Chul Moon
- Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chaewon Kim
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Minkyeong Choi
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Insu Park
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dae Won Park
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae Seung Lim
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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14
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Park H, Lim Y, Kim MC, Kim SE, Jeong IS, Choi YD, Kim DM. Case Report: Fulminant Myocarditis Successfully Treated With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Ikeda Strain Orientia tsutsugamushi Infection. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:795249. [PMID: 35004906 PMCID: PMC8727758 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.795249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus is an acute zoonotic febrile illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi having a specific geographic endemic area. This infection could be complicated with multi-organ involvement including myocarditis with variable severity. Here, we report a rare case of scrub typhus with biopsy-proven acute fulminant myocarditis which progressed very rapidly to cardiac arrest and was treated successfully with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Clinicians should be alert to possible rapid progression of scrub typhus myocarditis to fulminant form and be prepared for close monitoring and temporary mechanical support if indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyejin Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Chonnam National University Medical Hospital, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Yongwhan Lim
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Chonnam National University Medical Hospital, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Min Chul Kim
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Chonnam National University Medical Hospital, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Seong Eun Kim
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Chonnam National University Medical Hospital, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - In-Seok Jeong
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School, Chonnam National University Medical Hospital, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Yoo Duk Choi
- Department of Pathology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Dong-Min Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, South Korea
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15
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Chung MH, Lee JS, Kang JS. Buerger’s Disease May be a Chronic Rickettsial Infection with Superimposed Thrombosis: Literature Review and Efficacy of Doxycycline in Three Patients. Infect Chemother 2022; 54:20-58. [PMID: 35384418 PMCID: PMC8987189 DOI: 10.3947/ic.2021.0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Buerger’s disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory vasculitis of unknown etiology. The infectious etiology of BD was proposed by Buerger in 1914. Furthermore, there are scattered reports insisting that BD may be related to rickettsial infection, first asserted by Goodman since 1916, followed by Giroud and other French investigators from the 1940s through the 1960s, Nicolau in the 1960s, Bartolo (1980s), and Fazeli (2010s). However, their causal relationship has hardly been accepted because rickettsial infections are known to be acute febrile, vector-borne illnesses, whereas BD is a chronic afebrile illness. In this article we review the relevant literature on the chronic nature of Rickettsia and Orientia infections and on the rickettsial etiology of BD. Excellent initial responses to doxycycline in three patients with BD are briefly described. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that BD patients acquired a rickettsial infection far before the onset of BD. Over years, the infected area expands to become a segment of the infected vessel. Subsequently, thrombus develops on the luminal surface of the infected endothelial cells, which produces the vascular obstructive manifestations of BD. Collectively, it is postulated that BD is a chronic infection with a member of the family Rickettsiaceae with superimposed thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moon-Hyun Chung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Seogwipo Medical Center, Jeju, Korea
| | - Jin-Soo Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine; Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jae-Seung Kang
- Department of Microbiology, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
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16
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Wei Y, Guan X, Zhou S, Zhang A, Lu Q, Zhou Z, Chen J, Zhang H, Ji Y, Jiang B, Yang Y, Yang Z, Li H, Fang L, Liu W. Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Patients with Scrub Typhus - Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China, 2012-2018. China CDC Wkly 2021; 3:1079-1083. [PMID: 34938585 PMCID: PMC8688748 DOI: 10.46234/ccdcw2021.261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
What is already known about this topic? Scrub typhus (ST) causes public health challenges in the "tsutsugamushi triangle" in the Asia-Pacific area greater than 13 million square kilometers, affecting an estimated one million people each year. What is added by this report? A retrospective study based on 4,501 hospitalized patients with ST in Guangzhou City, China, described the epidemiological and clinical characteristics, laboratory findings of ST, and determined the related factors and a predictive model for severe disease. What are the implications for public health practice? The current study provided updated knowledge that might enable public health policymakers to formulate appropriate measures to prevent ST and medical workers to perform targeted management to recognize and treat severe ST patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehong Wei
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiugang Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Shixia Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China.,School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Anran Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China.,School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qingbin Lu
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziwei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Jinjin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Baogui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Professions, and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Florida, USA
| | - Zhicong Yang
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Liqun Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China.,School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China.,Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
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17
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Clinical usefulness of 16S ribosomal RNA real-time PCR for the diagnosis of scrub typhus. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14299. [PMID: 34253778 PMCID: PMC8275794 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93541-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus is a major acute febrile disease in the Asia–Pacific region. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the clinical usefulness of real-time PCR (Q-PCR) of 16S rRNA for the diagnosis of scrub typhus. We examined blood specimens from 148 adult patients who were confirmed to have scrub typhus from September 2008 to December 2009. Among the 148 scrub typhus patients, 36 patients were treated with antibiotics before admission. To evaluate the clinical usefulness of 16S rRNA Q-PCR, we compared its diagnostic accuracy to the accuracy of the following methods: nested PCR (N-PCR) targeting the gene encoding the 56-kDa protein, Q-PCR targeting the gene encoding the 47-kDa protein, and conventional PCR (C-PCR), targeting the 16S rRNA gene. According to 16S rRNA Q-PCR and 47-kDa Q-PCR, the mild group had copy numbers of 234.4 ± 261.9 and 130.5 ± 128.3, whereas the severe group had copy numbers of 584.4 ± 911.4 and 244.7 ± 210.9, respectively. In both tests, the mean copy numbers were significantly greater in the severe group (P = 0.037 and P = 0.035). 16S rRNA Q-PCR detected Orientia tsutsugamushi infections with a sensitivity of 91.9% (95% CI 86.3–95.7), and 56-kDa N-PCR, 47-kDa Q-PCR, and 16S rRNA C-PCR exhibited lower sensitivities of 81.1% (95% CI 73.8–87.0), 74.3% (95% CI 66.5–81.1), and 87.8% (95% CI 81.5–92.6), respectively, for all 148 patients. In addition, 16S rRNA Q-PCR exhibited a sensitivity of 99.1% (95% CI 95.1–100.0) in the 112 patients who were not treated with antibiotics before admission. 16S rRNA Q-PCR is clinically useful for the rapid diagnosis of scrub typhus and is more accurate than the 56-kDa N-PCR, 47-kDa Q-PCR, and 16S C-PCR methods.
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18
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Comparison of Lethal and Nonlethal Mouse Models of Orientia tsutsugamushi Infection Reveals T-Cell Population-Associated Cytokine Signatures Correlated with Lethality and Protection. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6030121. [PMID: 34287349 PMCID: PMC8293330 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6030121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The antigenic diversity of Orientia tsutsugamushi as well as the interstrain difference(s) associated with virulence in mice impose the necessity to dissect the host immune response. In this study we compared the host response in lethal and non-lethal murine models of O. tsutsugamushi infection using the two strains, Karp (New Guinea) and Woods (Australia). The models included the lethal model: Karp intraperitoneal (IP) challenge; and the nonlethal models: Karp intradermal (ID), Woods IP, and Woods ID challenges. We monitored bacterial trafficking to the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, heart, and blood, and seroconversion during the 21-day challenge. Bacterial trafficking to all organs was observed in both the lethal and nonlethal models of infection, with significant increases in average bacterial loads observed in the livers and hearts of the lethal model. Multicolor flow cytometry was utilized to analyze the CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations and their intracellular production of the cytokines IFNγ, TNF, and IL2 (single, double, and triple combinations) associated with both the lethal and nonlethal murine models of infection. The lethal model was defined by a cytokine signature of double- (IFNγ-IL2) and triple-producing (IL2-TNF-IFNγ) CD4+ T-cell populations; no multifunctional signature was identified in the CD8+ T-cell populations associated with the lethal model. In the nonlethal model, the cytokine signature was predominated by CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell populations associated with single (IL2) and/or double (IL2-TNF) populations of producers. The cytokine signatures associated with our lethal model will become depletion targets in future experiments; those signatures associated with our nonlethal model are hypothesized to be related to the protective nature of the nonlethal challenges.
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19
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Tshering S, Dorji N, Dem D, Om T. Scrub typhus in pregnancy presenting with permanent hearing loss: A case report. Clin Case Rep 2021; 9:e04451. [PMID: 34306685 PMCID: PMC8294048 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.4451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
As clinicians, we need to be vigilant about these rare and atypical presentations given the endemic nature of scrub typhus in southern belt of the country. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment is the key aspect to prevent further complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangay Tshering
- Department of Obstetrics & GynecologyJigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral HospitalThimphuBhutan
| | - Namkha Dorji
- Department of Obstetrics & GynecologyJigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral HospitalThimphuBhutan
| | - Dago Dem
- Faculty of Post Graduate MedicineKhesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of BhutanThimphuBhutan
| | - Tandin Om
- Faculty of Post Graduate MedicineKhesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of BhutanThimphuBhutan
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20
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Musa TH, Ahmad T, Wana MN, Li W, Musa HH, Sharun K, Tiwari R, Dhama K, Chaicumpa W, Campbell MC, Wei P. The epidemiology, diagnosis and management of scrub typhus disease in China. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:3795-3805. [PMID: 34124995 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1934355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Thirty-nine years ago, scrub typhus (ST), a disease, was not among the China's notifiable diseases. However, ST has reemerged to become a growing public health issue in the southwest part of China. The major factors contributing to an increased incidence and prevalence of this disease include rapid globalization, urbanization, expansion of humans into previously uninhabited areas, and climate change. The clinical manifestation of ST also consists of high fever, headache, weakness, myalgia, rash, and an eschar. In severe cases, complications (e.g. multi-organ failure, jaundice, acute renal failure, pneumonitis, myocarditis, and even death) can occur. The diagnosis of ST is mainly based on serological identification by indirect immunofluorescence assay and other molecular methods. Furthermore, several groups of antibiotics (e.g. tetracycline, chloramphenicol, macrolides, and rifampicin) are currently effective in treating this disease. This fact suggests the need for robust early diagnostic techniques, increased surveillance, and prompt treatment, and develop future vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Hussein Musa
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Biomedical Research Institute (BRI), Darfur College, Nyala, Sudan
| | - Tauseef Ahmad
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mohammed Nasiru Wana
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hassan Hussein Musa
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Khan Sharun
- Division of Surgery, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Ruchi Tiwari
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Sciences, UP Deen Dayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalay Evum Go-Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, India
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Wanpen Chaicumpa
- Center of Research Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Pingmin Wei
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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21
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is a widely neglected disease which is gaining global momentum because of its resurgence patterns. The disease is now being reported in newer regions as well as areas previously endemic areas. In this review, we aim to comprehensively review the data available to assist physicians in making an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of the disease. RECENT FINDINGS Several diagnostic tests have been developed for confirming scrub typhus. However, there is lack of clarity on which tests are most appropriate in a given clinical scenario. A recent study has demonstrated that in early disease (<7 days) when serological tests remain negative, the quantitative polymerase chain reaction is the most sensitive test. Among the serological tests, both IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as well as rapid diagnostic tests revealed excellent sensitivities and specificities. SUMMARY With the reemergence of scrub typhus, a high degree of clinical suspicion is required to appropriately diagnose this disease which presents as an acute febrile illness. It can progress to develop various complications leading to multi-organ dysfunction syndrome. Mild illness responds well to antibiotic treatment with doxycycline and azithromycin. Further studies are required to determine the most optimal therapy in severe scrub typhus infections and superiority of one drug over the other.
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22
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Khemka A, Sarkar M, Basu A, Dey PP, Chowdhoury SR, Mandal K. Predictors of Severity of Scrub Typhus in Children Requiring Pediatric Intensive Care Admission. J Pediatr Intensive Care 2021; 11:247-253. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1723947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractObjective of our study was to determine the clinical characteristics and laboratory profile of scrub typhus patients requiring pediatric intensive care admission and to find out risk factors for the severity of illness. This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted on 1-month to 12-year-old children admitted with scrub typhus in a tertiary care pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Relevant demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment, and outcome-related data were documented. The severity of the disease was measured in the form of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). With further correlation, and univariate and multivariate analyses, factors associated with severe disease were identified. During the study period, out of 586 PICU admission, 62 patients (10.6%) were diagnosed with scrub typhus. The mean age was 63.85 ± 52.78 months, where infants constituted 32.3% of the total population. Fever was present in 100% of the cases. Common indications of PICU admission were: respiratory distress 42 (67.7%), altered sensorium 41 (66.1%), convulsion 37 (59.7%), and shock 31 (50%). Total number of patients with MODS was 40 (64.5%). The case fatality rate was 8%. On multivariate analysis, infant age group (p = 0.02), altered sensorium (p = 0.001), reduced urine output (p = 0.02), thrombocytopenia (p = 0.001), raised C-reactive protein (p = 0.004), hyponatremia (p = 0.005), hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.01), deranged international normalized ratio (p = 0.02), and hyperferritinemia (p = 0.02) came out to be independent factors in predictability for development of MODS. Multiorgan dysfunction is a life-threatening manifestation of scrub typus in children, which necessitates PICU admission. Infant age group, presence of altered sensorium, reduced urine output, thrombocytopenia, elevated inflammatory markers, coagulopathy, hypoalbuminemia, and hyponatremia predict risk for MODS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Khemka
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Mihir Sarkar
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Ankika Basu
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Partha Pratim Dey
- Ghatal Sub-Divisional Hospital, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Kalyanbrata Mandal
- Department of Pediatrics, Coochbehar Government Medical College, Coochbehar, West Bengal, India
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Kim SW, Kim CM, Kim DM, Yun NR, Neupane GP, Pyun SH, Yu BJ. Orientia tsutsugamushi DNA load and genotypes in blood as a marker of severity. Acta Trop 2021; 215:105786. [PMID: 33309595 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi and is endemic to many parts of the Asia-Pacific region. We investigated whether the genotype of O. tsutsugamushi or the DNA load would be a useful marker of disease severity in scrub typhus patients. We evaluated the clinical features, genotypes and bacterial DNA load in the blood of 118 patients, including 114 surviving and 4 non-surviving patients, admitted at Chosun University Hospital. Four patients infected with the Pajoo, Yonchon, Youngworl and Boryong genotypes died. In the 114 survivors, 100 Boryong and 2 Taguchi genotypes were identified. The genotypes involved showed significant differences between the surviving and non-surviving patients (p<0.001). The median number of O. tsutsugamushi DNA copies was 78 copies /μL (range 3,960) in surviving patients, whereas 83,800 copies/μL (range 244,600) in the non-surviving patients. We found that the genotype and DNA load in the patient's blood are useful markers of disease severity in scrub typhus.
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Dhimal M, Dumre SP, Sharma GN, Khanal P, Ranabhat K, Shah LP, Lal BK, Jha R, Upadhyaya BP, Acharya B, Shrestha SK, Davidson SA, Charoensinphon P, Karki KB. An outbreak investigation of scrub typhus in Nepal: confirmation of local transmission. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:193. [PMID: 33602136 PMCID: PMC7893900 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-05866-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Scrub typhus is a largely ignored tropical disease and a leading cause of undifferentiated febrile illness in the areas of tsutsugamushi triangle caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. It is frequently diagnosed in South Asian countries, although clear epidemiological information is not available from Nepal. After the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, a sudden upsurge in scrub typhus cases was reported. The objective of this study was to investigate epidemiology of scrub typhus and its causative agents in humans, animals, and chigger mites to understand the ongoing transmission ecology. Methods Scrub typhus cases with confirmed diagnosis throughout the country were included in the analysis. Studies were concentrated in the Chitwan district, the site of a major outbreak in 2016. Additional nation-wide data from 2015 to 2017 available from the government database included to analyse the disease distribution by geographical mapping. Results From 2015 to 2017, 1239 scrub typhus cases were confirmed with the largest outbreak occurring in 2016 with 831 (67.1%) cases. The case fatality rate was 5.7% in 2015 which declined to 1.1% in 2017. A nationwide outbreak of scrub typhus was declared as the cases were detected in 52 out of the 75 districts of Nepal. Seasonal trend was observed with a peak during August and September. In addition to the human cases, the presence of O. tsutsugamushi was also confirmed in animals (rodents) and chigger mites (Leptotrombidium imphalum) from the outbreak areas of southern Nepal. Conclusion The detection of O. tsutsugamushi in humans, animals, and chigger mites from outbreak locations and wide-spread reports of scrub typhus throughout the country consecutively for 3 years confirms the ongoing transmission of O. tsutsugamushi with a firmly established ecology in Nepal. The country’s health system needs to be strengthened for systematic surveillance, early outbreak detection, and immediate actions including treatment and preventive measures. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-05866-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghnath Dhimal
- Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), Ramshah Path, Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | - Shyam Prakash Dumre
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.,Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Guna Nidhi Sharma
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Department of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal.,Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Pratik Khanal
- Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), Ramshah Path, Kathmandu, Nepal.,Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Kamal Ranabhat
- Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.,Department of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Lalan Prasad Shah
- Department of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bibek Kumar Lal
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Department of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Runa Jha
- National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bishnu Prasad Upadhyaya
- National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bhim Acharya
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Department of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Silas A Davidson
- Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Khem B Karki
- Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), Ramshah Path, Kathmandu, Nepal.,Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Arora S, Abhilash KPP, Mitra S, Hazra D, Gunasekharan K, Yesudass P. Is cerebrospinal fluid lactate useful in differentiating scrub typhus meningitis from aseptic, bacterial and tuberculous meningitis? Trop Doct 2020; 51:64-71. [PMID: 33259753 DOI: 10.1177/0049475520975957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Scrub typhus is one of the most common causes of meningo-encephalitis in endemic areas of the Indian subcontinent. Numerous studies have established the reliability of cerebrospinal fluid lactate for differentiation of bacterial meningitis from aseptic meningitis. However, there are no reported data on the predictive value of cerebrospinal fluid lactate in scrub typhus meningitis. We thus conducted a cross-sectional study to examine the diagnostic accuracy of cerebrospinal fluid lactate in the differentiation of different causes of acute meningitis. Over two years, we studied 119 patients, with almost equal gender distribution, whose mean age was 43.58 (±18) years and their overall mean duration of fever was 11.7 (±21.0) days. Commonest clinical features overall were neck stiffness; values of cerebrospinal fluid lactate were lowest in aseptic meningitis, followed by scrub typhus, TB and bacterial meningitis. We conclude that cerebrospinal fluid lactate levels may be a useful adjunct to clinical features and laboratory investigations to differentiate between bacterial, viral, tubercular and scrub meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalabh Arora
- Assistant Professor, Department of General Medicine, CMC, Vellore, India
| | | | - Shubhanker Mitra
- Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, CMC, Vellore, India
| | | | | | - P Yesudass
- Tutor, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, CMC, Vellore, India
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Sardana V, Shringi P. Neurological Manifestations of Scrub Typhus: A Case Series from Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern East Rajasthan. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2020; 23:808-811. [PMID: 33688133 PMCID: PMC7900736 DOI: 10.4103/aian.aian_97_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus is an acute febrile infectious illness caused by rickettsia species Orientia tsutsugamushi. In recent years, scrub typhus has reemerged as a life-threatening disease in India Scrub typhus has diverse clinical manifestations ranging from a nonspecific febrile illness to severe multiorgan dysfunction, and neurological complications are also common. Spectrum of neurological complications varies from common complications such as aseptic meningitis, meningoencephalitis and cerebellitis to rare complications such as myelitis, cerebral hemorrhage, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and cerebral infarction. Scrub typhus is not a common cause of acute febrile illness in state like Rajasthan, but has emerged as a life-threatening disease in recent years along with dreaded neurological complications. This case series highlights various neurological manifestations of scrub typhus as early diagnosis and treatment of neurological complications have good prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Sardana
- Department of Neurology, Government Medical College, Kota, Rajasthan, India
| | - Prashant Shringi
- Department of Neurology, Government Medical College, Kota, Rajasthan, India
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27
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Bhattacharya PK, Murti VS, Jamil M, Barman B. Clinical profile and determinants of scrub typhus presenting with sepsis based on Sepsis-3 criteria. J Vector Borne Dis 2020; 57:307-313. [PMID: 34856710 DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.313963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Scrub typhus has a wide spectrum of clinical presentations from acute febrile illness to sepsis with multi-organ failure with poor prognosis. The aim was to study the clinical presentation of scrub typhus and application of SOFA and qSOFA scores of sepsis-3 criteria to determine sepsis and consequent in-hospital outcomes. METHODS A prospective study was carried out in adults (≥18 years), with scrub typhus diagnosed by IgM ELISA. Sepsis-3 criteria were used to identify patients with sepsis and plan subsequent management. Statistical analysis was done using software SPSS 16.0 and p value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant. RESULTS Of the 78 scrub typhus patients, 38 (48.71%) presented with sepsis. Mean age in the sepsis group was significantly lower than the non-sepsis group (35.41±11.14 versus 43.56±14.31 years, p<0.05). Mortality was 71.05% in the sepsis group compared to nil in the non-sepsis group. On regression analysis, the presence of eschar (OR=5.2, 95% CI=1.15-23.544, P= 0.032), Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) (OR=5.33, 95% CI= 1.13-25.16, P = 0.034) and a GCS <10 (OR=9.29, 95% CI=1.04-82.96, P=0.046) were significant predictors of mortality in patients of scrub typhus with sepsis. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION Scrub typhus is more common in young age, with significantly younger patients developing sepsis. Presence of eschar, ARDS and GCS<10 were risk factors for mortality in scrub typhus patients with sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanta Kumar Bhattacharya
- Department of General Medicine, North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), Shillong, India
| | - V Subrahmanya Murti
- Department of General Medicine, North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), Shillong, India
| | - Md Jamil
- Department of General Medicine, North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), Shillong, India
| | - Bhupen Barman
- Department of General Medicine, North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), Shillong, India
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Alam A, Agarwal P, Prabha J, Jain A, Kalyan RK, Kumar C, Kumar R. Prediction Rule for Scrub Typhus Meningoencephalitis in Children: Emerging Disease in North India. J Child Neurol 2020; 35:820-827. [PMID: 32580611 DOI: 10.1177/0883073820933148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the proportion of scrub typhus meningoencephalitis among children with acute encephalitis syndrome and to outline its differentiating features. To develop a prediction rule for scrub typhus meningoencephalitis. METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care public hospital in Northern India. Consecutive patients of acute encephalitis syndrome who met our inclusion criteria were enrolled over 2 years. Standardized workup including serum IgM against Orientia tsutsugamushi was performed. Clinical and laboratory features were compared between IgM-positive and IgM-negative patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the score derived from "independent predictors" was measured. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated at different cut-offs of the score. RESULTS Scrub typhus IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was positive in 66/352 patients (18.8%). Longer duration of fever and prodromal stage along with eschar, hepatomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and pneumonia were significantly more prevalent in scrub typhus meningoencephalitis. However, petechiae were frequent in non-scrub typhus patients. Leucocytosis, lymphocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated levels of serum bilirubin, serum transaminases, and cerebrospinal fluid protein were associated with scrub typhus meningoencephalitis. Logistic regression revealed fever for >8 days, pneumonia, absence of petechiae, cerebrospinal fluid protein >1000 mg/L, and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase >100 IU/L as independent "predictors" of scrub typhus meningoencephalitis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% confidence interval) of the prediction score was 0.832 (0.78-0.89). Score at cutoff ≥1 had 91% sensitivity, 96.1% negative predictive value, and at cutoff ≥4 had 99.7% specificity, 88.9% positive predictive value, 83.1% negative predictive value, 40.3 positive likelihood ratio, 0.88 negative likelihood ratio for identifying scrub typhus meningoencephalitis. CONCLUSION Prediction score may help physicians in peripheral areas to identify and treat scrub typhus meningoencephalitis, an emerging cause of acute encephalitis syndrome in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areesha Alam
- Department of Pediatrics, Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pranshi Agarwal
- Department of Pediatrics, 76140King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jayanti Prabha
- Department of Pediatrics, 76140King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Amita Jain
- Department of Microbiology, 76140King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Raj Kumar Kalyan
- Department of Microbiology, 76140King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Chandrakanta Kumar
- Department of Pediatrics, 76140King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rashmi Kumar
- Department of Pediatrics, 76140King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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The Utility of Platelet Indices in Predicting Multiorgan Dysfunction in Scrub Typhus. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2020; 2020:3870354. [PMID: 32802052 PMCID: PMC7415085 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3870354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelet indices have been used to diagnose and prognosticate infections such as tuberculosis, malaria, dengue, and septic shock. Platelet indices have previously not been used in the prediction of multiorgan dysfunction (MODS) in patients with scrub typhus. A three-year retrospective review of patient charts was performed. Patients with and without MODS were compared. Platelet indices and other clinical and laboratory variables were used in logistic regression analysis to determine significant predictors. A ROC curve was generated with the platelet indices to predict MODS. Of 189 patients, 106 were male. Respiratory rate, serum creatinine, liver function tests, platelet count, thrombocytopenia <150 × 109/L, mean platelet volume (MPV) > 7.3 fL, and plateletcrit ≤0.19% varied significantly between patients with MODS and those without. Platelet indices are inexpensive and easily available. Only thrombocytopenia along with creatinine, alanine transaminase, and abnormal chest radiograph could significantly predict MODS in patients with scrub typhus.
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Ozair A, Kumar V, Himanshu D, Bhat V. A rare etiology behind isolated lateral rectus palsy: Scrub typhus. J Family Med Prim Care 2020; 9:2538-2540. [PMID: 32754540 PMCID: PMC7380792 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_287_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus (ST), a zoonotic disease, is currently being recognized as a significant contributor to the changing landscape of infectious diseases in India. As one of the important causes of febrile illness, in many parts of the country, general practitioners need to include it as part of the workup for cases of fever of unknown origin. While very amenable to early treatment with a simple regime of doxycycline, delayed diagnosis can result in a spectrum of complications. We report here one such complication of a case of ST manifesting with isolated lateral rectus palsy, which, to the best of our knowledge, has been reported only thrice in the world previously. Family physicians also need to be aware of the availability in India of affordable serological testing for ST that is useful for rapid and inexpensive diagnosis, leading to timely treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ozair
- Faculty of Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Department of Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - D. Himanshu
- Department of Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vivek Bhat
- Faculty of Medicine, St. John's Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Eisermann P, Rauch J, Reuter S, Eberwein L, Mehlhoop U, Allartz P, Muntau B, Tappe D. Complex Cytokine Responses in Imported Scrub Typhus Cases, Germany, 2010-2018. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 102:63-68. [PMID: 31769398 PMCID: PMC6947778 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus is a life-threatening zoonotic disease, which is caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, an obligatory intracellular Gram-negative bacterium. It is transmitted by Leptotrombidium mites in endemic regions of Southeast Asia. So far, data on imported scrub typhus cases to non-endemic areas and immunological descriptions are rare. Eleven scrub typhus cases that had been diagnosed by the German National Reference Center for Tropical Pathogens between 2010 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed for clinical symptoms, laboratory changes, and travel destinations. Patient sera were included if follow-up samples showed simultaneous seroconversion for IgM and IgG antibody responses by immunofluorescence assays or concurrence with the first serum sample. The median of seroconversion was week 2 after symptom onset. Cytokine levels were measured over time, demonstrating simultaneously upregulated major Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines in the acute phase of infection followed by normalization during convalescence. This study underlines the complex mixed cytokine response elicited by scrub typhus and highlights clinical and diagnostic aspects of imported infections with O. tsutsugamushi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Eisermann
- National Reference Center for Tropical Pathogens, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Rauch
- National Reference Center for Tropical Pathogens, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Reuter
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Klinikum Leverkusen gGmbH, Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Lukas Eberwein
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Klinikum Leverkusen gGmbH, Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Ute Mehlhoop
- National Reference Center for Tropical Pathogens, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra Allartz
- National Reference Center for Tropical Pathogens, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Birgit Muntau
- National Reference Center for Tropical Pathogens, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dennis Tappe
- National Reference Center for Tropical Pathogens, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
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Ghimire RH, Ghimire A, Dhungana S, Bista B, Shreewastav RK. Clinical Profile and Outcome of Adult Patients with Scrub Typhus in a Tertiary Care Centre of Eastern Nepal. JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc 2020; 58:165-169. [PMID: 32347822 PMCID: PMC7580313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Scrub typhus is an under-diagnosed and undertreated zoonotic human infection. There are no data related to profile of adult patients in Nepal. We conducted this study to report socio-demographic, clinical profile and complications of scrub typhus in our scenario. METHODS This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, eastern Nepal. The sample enrollment process was consecutively who were admitted under medical ward and intensive care unit. Diagnosis was established serologically with positive test of IgM antibodies against scrub typhus using immuno-chromatography. Operational definitions for organ system dysfunction were based upon simple available clinic laboratory profiles and imaging. Collected data were entered in Microsoft Excel 2007 and converted it into Statistical Package for Social Science 11.5 Version for statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 47 patients were analyzed during this study. Diagnosis of scrub typhus was more common 17 (36.17%) in age group of (40-60 years) with female predominance 32 (68.08%). Most patients (70.15%) were of above 40 years. Fever 47 (100%), asthenia 40 (85.10%), generalized body-ache 41 (87.23%), anorexia 46 (97.87%) and headache 39 (82.97%) were present in most of our patients at sometime during their illness. Respiratory dysfunction was the commonest 37 (78.72%) system dysfunction followed by renal 30 (63.82%) and hepatic 20 (42.55%) impairment. Fortunately no deaths occurred. CONCLUSIONS Scrub typhus occurred more commonly in elderly female patients. Early empirical treatment may prevent mortality. Large studies involving whole country is needed to see real scenario of disease in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Hari Ghimire
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal
| | - Ashima Ghimire
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal
| | - Sunil Dhungana
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal
| | - Bides Bista
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal
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Cho H, Lee WH, Kim YK, Kim KS. Extracellular vesicle-associated antigens as a new vaccine platform against scrub typhus. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 523:602-607. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Clinical Characteristics and Predictors of Severity of Pediatric Scrub Typhus in a Tertiary Level Hospital in South India. ARCHIVES OF PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020. [DOI: 10.5812/pedinfect.92752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Abstract
Japanese spotted fever (JSF) is an uncommon but potentially fatal infection transmitted by tick bites. We herein report a fulminant case of JSF infection that occurred in an immunocompetent adult that was complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). We discuss the difficulty in making the diagnosis and identifying the complication of HLH in our patient. HLH is a rare complication of rickettsiosis, and this is the first reported case in English of JSF complicated by HLH in an immunocompetent adult. Secondary HLH caused by rickettsiosis requires a different treatment from primary HLH. Rickettsiosis must therefore be considered in patients with HLH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Kaneko
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Akashi Medical Center, Japan
| | - Naoto Ishimaru
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Akashi Medical Center, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nakajima
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Akashi Medical Center, Japan
| | - Yohei Kanzawa
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Akashi Medical Center, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Seto
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Akashi Medical Center, Japan
| | - Saori Kinami
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Akashi Medical Center, Japan
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Mohanty A, Kabi A, Gupta P, Jha MK, Rekha US, Raj AK. Scrub typhus - A case series from the state of Sikkim, India. Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci 2019; 9:194-198. [PMID: 31879608 PMCID: PMC6927125 DOI: 10.4103/ijciis.ijciis_50_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus is one of the leading causes of acute febrile illness in India. It is associated with rash and often an eschar, which responds dramatically to antibiotics. In some cases, it results in serious illness leading to multiple organ involvement and finally death. The various clinical manifestations of scrub typhus arise mainly due to systemic vasculitis, caused by direct effects of organism as well as exaggerated immune response. The disease course is often complicated, leading to mortality in the absence of treatment. Here, in this case series, we describe three cases depicting the typical manifestations which a patient of scrub typhus can present with highlighting the fact that high index of clinical suspicion is of utmost importance for this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aroop Mohanty
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ankita Kabi
- Department of Trauma and Emergency Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Pratima Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Mithilesh Kumar Jha
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - U Sasi Rekha
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Anusha Krishna Raj
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
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Kim HL, Park HR, Kim CM, Cha YJ, Yun NR, Kim DM. Indicators of severe prognosis of scrub typhus: prognostic factors of scrub typhus severity. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:283. [PMID: 30909868 PMCID: PMC6434784 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-3903-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Scrub typhus is an acute disease, characterized by symptoms of fever, which occurs due to infection by Orientia tsutsugamushi. In most cases, patients recover from the disease with appropriate treatment, but serious and fatal complications may occur. The present study examined laboratory findings and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels of scrub typhus patients to identify the prognostic predictors of disease severity. Method Patients whose scrub typhus diagnosis was confirmed by elevated indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) levels and positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results were classified according to disease severity into one of three groups; i.e., deceased (n = 7), severe (n = 15), and mild (n = 15) retrospectively registered. Additionally, the usefulness of modified Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, white blood cell (WBC) count, and TNF-α level as prognostic predictors were examined. Result The mean TNF-α levels of the deceased, severe, and mild groups were 53.5 (range: 7.8–147.8), 26.0 (1.7–64.4), and 8.8 pg/mL (4.6–16.0), respectively. The results of Kruskal-Wallis tests showed statistically significant differences between the deceased and severe groups versus the mild group (p = 0.005). CRP level and Modified APACHE II score also differed significantly among the groups (p = 0.046 and 0.007, respectively); however, WBC count did not (p = 0.196). Conclusion An elevated serum TNF-α level in patients with scrub typhus could predict a severe condition or death and may be useful in predicting patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Lee Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, 588 Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 501-717, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Rim Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, 588 Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 501-717, Republic of Korea
| | - Choon-Mee Kim
- Premedical sciences, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwang-ju, South Korea
| | - Youn Jung Cha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, 588 Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 501-717, Republic of Korea
| | - Na Ra Yun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, 588 Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 501-717, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Min Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, 588 Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 501-717, Republic of Korea.
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Park SW, Lee CS, Kim JH, Bae IG, Moon C, Kwak YG, Kim BN, Lee JH, Ryu SY, Jang HC, Hur J, Jun JB, Jung Y, Chang HH, Kim YK, Hwang JH, Kim YS, Jeong HW, Song KH, Park WB, Kim ES, Oh MD. Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome: comparison with scrub typhus and clinical diagnostic prediction. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:174. [PMID: 30782137 PMCID: PMC6381645 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-3773-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is emerging in Asian 3 countries, China, Japan and Korea, which are scrub typhus endemic areas, and its incidence is increasing. As the two infections overlap epidemiologically and clinically and the accessibility or sensitivity of diagnostic tests is limited, early clinical prediction may be useful for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Methods Patients aged ≥16 years who were clinically suspected and laboratory-confirmed to be infected with Orientia tsutsugamushi or the SFTS virus in South Korea were enrolled. Clinical and laboratory parameters were compared. Scrub typhus was further subclassified according to the status of eschar and skin rash. An SFTS prediction scoring tool was generated based on a logistic regression analysis of SFTS compared with scrub typhus. Results The analysis was performed on 255 patients with scrub typhus and 107 patients with SFTS. At initial presentation, subjective symptoms except for gastrointestinal symptoms, were more prominent in scrub typhus patients. In addition to the characteristic eschar and skin rash, headache was significantly more prominent in scrub typhus, while laboratory abnormalities were more prominent in SFTS. Leukopenia (white blood cell count < 4000/mm3; odds ratio [OR] 30.13), thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 80,000 /mm3; OR 19.73) and low C-reactive protein (< 1 mg/dL; OR 67.46) were consistent risk factors for SFTS (all P < 0.001). A prediction score was generated using these 3 variables, and a score ≥ 2 had a sensitivity of 93.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 87.9–96.4%) and a specificity of 96.1% (95% CI, 93.8–97.6%) for SFTS. Conclusion This prediction scoring tool may be useful for differentiating SFTS from eschar- or skin rash-negative scrub typhus. It is a simple and readily applicable tool with potential for use in primary care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Won Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, the Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Seop Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Han Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, the Republic of Korea
| | - In-Gyu Bae
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Chisook Moon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yee Gyung Kwak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Baek-Nam Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Yeol Ryu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Chang Jang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jian Hur
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Bum Jun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Younghee Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Ha Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Keun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hwan Hwang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Sook Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Won Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Ho Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Wan Beom Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, the Republic of Korea
| | - Eu Suk Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung-Don Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, the Republic of Korea.
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Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Seasonal Variation of Scrub Typhus Fever in Central Nepal. Trop Med Infect Dis 2019; 4:tropicalmed4010027. [PMID: 30717408 PMCID: PMC6473611 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed4010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus is a mite-borne acute febrile illness caused by Orientia. tsutsugamushi, a zoonotic bacterial infection common in the region known as the tsutsugamushi triangle. This study aims to determine the seroprevalence, seasonal variation, and risk factors of scrub typhus among the acute febrile illness patients attending different hospitals of central Nepal. Blood samples were collected from hospitalized patients of acute febrile illness suspected of scrub typhus infection attending different hospitals of central Nepal from April 2017 to March 2018. The IgM antibody to Orientia tsutsugamushi was detected by using the Scrub Typhus Detect™ Kit. Among the total cases (1585), 358 (22.58%) were positive for IgM Antibodies. Multivariate analysis identified several risks factors to be significantly associated with the scrub typhus infection, including gender (female) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.976, p ≤ 0.001, confidence interval [CI] = 1.417–2.756), rural residential location (odds ratio [OR] = 0.431, p = 0.001, confidence interval [CI] = 0.260–0.715), house near grassland (odds ratio [OR] = 3.288, p ≤ 0.001, confidence interval [CI] = 1.935–5.587), and working in the field (odds ratio [OR] = 9.764, p = 0.004, confidence interval [CI] = 2.059–46.315). The study findings indicate scrub typhus infection to be a significant health problem in Nepal. The proper diagnosis of infection cases, timely institution of therapy, public awareness, and vector control are important measures to be taken for the prevention and management of scrub typhus.
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Kim MH, Kim SH, Choi JH, Wie SH. Clinical and Laboratory Predictors associated with Complicated Scrub Typhus. Infect Chemother 2019; 51:161-170. [PMID: 31270995 PMCID: PMC6609747 DOI: 10.3947/ic.2019.51.2.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Scrub typhus, a mite-borne disease caused by bites of Orientia tsutsugamushi-infected chiggers, is endemic in Asia-Pacific countries. In Korea, it is a seasonal disease prevalent in autumn and one of the important causes of acute undifferentiated febrile illness. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for the prediction of the severe clinical course of scrub typhus and to investigate the differences in the clinical and laboratory findings of hospitalized elderly and non-elderly patients with scrub typhus. Materials and Methods This study retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with scrub typhus. Results A total of 710 patients were enrolled and 43.9% of them were elderly patients. The number of patients with complicated scrub typhus was 168 (23.7%) and the most common complication of severe scrub typhus was hepatic dysfunction (10.7%) followed by pneumonia (7.2%), acute kidney injury (4.9%) and shock (2.4%). Blood urea nitrogen ≥20 mg/dL, adenosine deaminase (ADA) ≥100 IU/L, pulmonary edema or pleural effusion, lactate dehydrogenase ≥500 U/L, alkaline phosphatase ≥400 IU/L, ferritin ≥500 ng/mL and absence of skin rash were independently associated with severe scrub typhus. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complicated scrub typhus between elderly and non-elderly patients. Absence of skin rash, pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, serum creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL, total bilirubin ≥1.5 mg/dL, ADA ≥100 IU/L and ferritin ≥500 ng/mL were significantly associated with a longer hospitalization (≥10 days). Conclusion The several independent predictors of complicated scrub typhus were identified in this study. Absence of skin rash, the increased levels of serum ADA and ferritin were identified as the predictors of complicated scrub typhus, which were also associated with a prolonged hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Hee Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Si Hyun Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Hyun Choi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seong Heon Wie
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
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Mittal M, Bondre V, Murhekar M, Deval H, Rose W, Verghese VP, Mittal M, Patil G, Sabarinathan R, Vivian Thangaraj JW, Kanagasabai K, Prakash JAJ, Gupta N, Gupte MM, Gupte MD. Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, 2016: Clinical and Laboratory Findings. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2018; 37:1101-1106. [PMID: 29746378 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000002099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seasonal outbreaks of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) with high fatality have been occurring in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, for several years. We conducted investigations during the 2016 outbreak to identify the etiology. METHODS We included 407 hospitalized AES patients with cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis (>5 cells/mm) in our study. These patients were clinically examined; their blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected and investigated for scrub typhus (ST), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), dengue virus and spotted fever group of Rickettsia by serology and/or polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Of the 407 AES patients, 266 (65.4%), 42 (10.3%) and 29 (7.1%) were diagnosed to have ST, JEV and dengue infection, respectively. Four patients were diagnosed to have spotted fever group of Rickettsia infection. A significantly higher proportion of ST patients with AES had hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and facial edema. The common hematologic and biochemical abnormalities among ST-positive patients include thrombocytopenia, raised liver enzymes and bilirubin levels. The case fatality ratio was significantly higher among ST-negative AES patients (36.2% vs. 15.2%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS ST accounted for approximately two third of the AES case-patients. Efforts are required to identify the etiology of AES case-patients who are negative for ST, JEV and dengue fever.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vijay Bondre
- ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Gorakhpur Unit, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Manoj Murhekar
- ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Hirawati Deval
- ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Gorakhpur Unit, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Winsley Rose
- Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | | | - Gajanan Patil
- ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Gorakhpur Unit, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mohan D Gupte
- Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
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Narayanasamy DK, Arun Babu T, Vijayadevagaran V, Kittu D, Ananthakrishnan S. Predictors of Severity in Pediatric Scrub Typhus. Indian J Pediatr 2018; 85:613-617. [PMID: 29368107 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-018-2612-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the factors that can predict the severity of scrub typhus in children. METHODS This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital between November 2014 to October 2016. All children <12y of age admitted with fever for more than 7d and positive IgM ELISA for scrub typhus were included in the study. These children were followed during the hospital course and their laboratory results, response to treatment and complications were documented. Cases of 'severe scrub typhus' were identified based on criteria from published adult and pediatric studies. RESULTS Out of 930 children with fever for more than 7d, IgM ELISA for scrub typhus was positive in 230 children. Ninety one (40.6%) cases fulfilled the criteria of 'severe scrub typhus' in children. Out of 45 factors, 27 potential factors were studied. The multivariate analysis identified 5 factors, breathlessness (OR: 6.85, 95%CI: 2.69 to 9.87), altered sensorium (OR: 11.48, 95% CI 3.43 to 10.19), leucocytosis (OR: 3.38, 95% CI 1.12 to 10.16), hypoalbuminemia (OR: 10.78, 95% CI 2.66 to 48.76), and hyponatremia (OR: 10.08, 95% CI 2.11 to 23.42) to be significantly associated with the 'severe scrub typhus' cases. CONCLUSIONS Breathlessness, altered sensorium, leucocytosis, hypoalbuminemia, and hyponatremia predict severity in childhood scrub typhus. Presence of these factors should alert the treating physician regarding the need for intensive monitoring, treatment or referral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Kumar Narayanasamy
- Department of Pediatrics, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (IGMC&RI), Pondicherry, India
| | - Thirunavukkarasu Arun Babu
- Department of Pediatrics, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (IGMC&RI), Pondicherry, India.
| | | | - Devi Kittu
- Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (IGMC&RI), Pondicherry, India
| | - Shanthi Ananthakrishnan
- Department of Pediatrics, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (IGMC&RI), Pondicherry, India
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Jin YM, Liang DS, Huang AR, Zhou AH. Clinical characteristics and effective treatments of scrub typhus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in children. J Adv Res 2018; 15:111-116. [PMID: 30581619 PMCID: PMC6300568 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an uncommon and life-threatening disorder that may rarely complicate the clinical course of Orientia tsutsugamushi disease (scrub typhus). Here, we describe the clinical features, laboratory parameters, management, and outcome of 16 children with scrub typhus-associated HLH. All patients satisfied the HLH-2004 diagnostic criteria. All patients had fever of unknown origin and multisystem damage. Raised hepatic transaminases and abnormalities in routine blood test were observed in all children. Imaging tests showed abnormalities in 10 cases. Six patients were treated with intravenous azithromycin for 5 days, and 10 with intravenous chloramphenicol for 7–10 days because of non-response to 3-day azithromycin treatment. Five patients were treated with intravenous albumin and 3 with intravenous immunoglobulin. Two patients with severe symptoms (shortness of breath, cyanosis) were treated with dexamethasone (0.3 mg/kg/d). Fifteen patients recovered completely after 8–22 days of treatment. One patient died. The occurrence of severe complications draws attention to the need for early diagnosis and effective treatment. Anti-rickettsial antibiotic treatment (azithromycin or chloramphenicol) without the need for chemotherapy may be beneficial in such cases, instead of treatment according to the 2004 HLH protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Mei Jin
- Department of Pediatric Emergency, Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Dong-Shi Liang
- Department of Pediatric Emergency, Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Ai-Rong Huang
- Department of Pediatric Emergency, Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Ai-Hua Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
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Chauhan V, Thakur A, Thakur S. Eschar is associated with poor prognosis in scrub typhus. Indian J Med Res 2018; 145:693-696. [PMID: 28948962 PMCID: PMC5644306 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_1888_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Chauhan
- Department of Medicine, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Kangra, Tanda 176 001, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Anurag Thakur
- Department of Medicine, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Kangra, Tanda 176 001, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Suman Thakur
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Kangra, Tanda 176 001, Himachal Pradesh, India
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van Eekeren LE, de Vries SG, Wagenaar JFP, Spijker R, Grobusch MP, Goorhuis A. Under-diagnosis of rickettsial disease in clinical practice: A systematic review. Travel Med Infect Dis 2018; 26:7-15. [PMID: 29486240 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rickettsial diseases present as acute febrile illnesses, sometimes with inoculation eschars. METHODS We performed a systematic review of studies published between 1997 and 2017 to assess the underestimation of non-eschar rickettsial disease (NERD) relative to eschar rickettsial disease (ERD), as a cause of acute fever in patients with rickettsial diseases that commonly present with eschar(s): scrub typhus (ST), Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF), and African tick-bite fever. We compared ERD/NERD ratios according to study design: 'complete approach' studies, with testing performed in all patients with 'unspecified febrile illness'; versus 'clinical judgement' studies, with testing performed if patients presented with specific symptoms. RESULTS In 'complete approach' studies, ERD/NERD ratios were significantly lower, suggesting a considerable under-diagnosis of NERD in 'clinical judgement' studies. Based on these results, we estimate that the diagnosis of rickettsial disease was missed in 66.5% of patients with ST, and in 57.9% of patients with MSF. CONCLUSIONS Study design influences the reported eschar rates in ST and MSF significantly. NERD is likely to be a vastly underdiagnosed entity, and clinicians should consider and test for the disease more often. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD 42016053348.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise E van Eekeren
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sophia G de Vries
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jiri F P Wagenaar
- Leptospirosis Reference Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - René Spijker
- Medical Library, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Cochrane Netherlands, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin P Grobusch
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Abraham Goorhuis
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Valappil AV, Thiruvoth S, Peedikayil JM, Raghunath P, Thekkedath M. Differential diagnosis of scrub typhus meningitis from tuberculous meningitis using clinical and laboratory features. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2017; 163:76-80. [PMID: 29078126 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2017.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The involvement of the central nervous system in the form of meningitis or meningoencephalitis is common in scrub typhus and is an important differential diagnosis of other lymphocytic meningitis like tuberculous meningitis (TBM). The aim of this study was to identify the clinical and laboratory parameters that may be helpful in differentiating scrub typhus meningitis from TBM. PATIENTS AND METHODS We compared of the clinical and laboratory features of 57 patients admitted with scrub typhus meningitis or TBM during a 3-year period. Patients who had abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and positive scrub typhus enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay serology (n=28) were included in the scrub typhus meningitis group, while the TBM group included those who satisfied the consensus diagnostic criteria of TBM (n=29). RESULTS Compared with the TBM group, the mean duration of symptoms was less in patients with scrub typhus meningitis, who also had a lower magnitude of neurological deficits, such as altered mental status and cranial nerve and motor deficits. Patients with scrub typhus meningitis had a lower CSF white blood-cell count (WBC) than the TBM group (130.8±213 195±175 cells/mm3, P=0.002), lower CSF protein elevation (125±120 vs. 195.2±108.2mg/dl, P=0.002), and higher CSF sugar (70.1±32.4 vs. 48.7±23.4mg/dl, P=0.006). Features predictive of the diagnosis of scrub typhus meningitis included the absence of neurological impairment at presentation, blood serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase>40 international units (IU)/L, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase>60 IU/L, total blood leukocyte count>10,000/mm3, CSF protein<100mg/dl, CSF sugar>50mg/dl, CSF WBC<100 cells/mm3. All patients with scrub typhus meningitis recovered completely following doxycycline therapy CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that, clinical features, including duration of fever, neurological deficits at presentation and laboratory parameters such as CSF pleocytosis,CSF protein elevation, CSF sugar levels and liver enzyme values are helpful in differentiating scrub typhus meningitis from tuberculous meningits. These features with scrub IgM serology may be helpful in identifying patients with scrub meningitis and in avoiding prolonged empirical antituberculous therapy in cases of lymphocytic meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf V Valappil
- Department of Neurology, Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences, Calicut, Kerala, India.
| | - Sohanlal Thiruvoth
- Department of Microbiology, Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences, Calicut, Kerala, India
| | - Jabir M Peedikayil
- Department of Internal Medicine, Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences, Calicut, Kerala, India
| | | | - Manojan Thekkedath
- Department of Internal Medicine, Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences, Calicut, Kerala, India
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Lee HS, Sunwoo JS, Ahn SJ, Moon J, Lim JA, Jun JS, Lee WJ, Lee ST, Jung KH, Park KI, Jung KY, Lee SK, Chu K. Central Nervous System Infection Associated with Orientia tsutsugamushi in South Korea. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:1094-1098. [PMID: 28820719 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Orientia tsutsugamushi is a major cause of vector-borne infection in Asia. Prompt recognition and appropriate treatment are crucial because of its potentially fatal complications and lack of response to beta-lactam antibiotics. The present study retrospectively evaluated the clinical characteristics and laboratory findings of 16 patients with scrub typhus-related central nervous system (CNS) infections. Single titers ≥ 1:40 of total serum antibodies against O. tsutsugamushi detected by an indirect immunofluorescent assay were considered as positive results. The median age was 35.5 (range, 14-72) years, and 10 (62.5%) patients were female. The most common symptoms were headache (81.3%) and fever (81.3%). Eschar formation was found in three (18.8%) patients. Among patients with encephalitis, seizures and altered consciousness occurred in five (83.3%) and four (66.7%) patients, respectively. An abnormal liver function was noted in seven (43.8%) patients. The median antibody titer was 1:120 (range, 1:40-1:2,560). Typical cerebrospinal fluid profiles were lymphocytic pleocytosis, mild protein elevations, and normal glucose levels. All patients received an empirical treatment with doxycycline and most (93.8%) of them recovered without neurological sequelae. None of the patients reported side effects of the doxycycline treatment. An empirical treatment with doxycycline is needed in patients with CNS infections in scrub typhus endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Sang Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jun-Sang Sunwoo
- Department of Neurology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seon-Jae Ahn
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jangsup Moon
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung-Ah Lim
- Department of Neurology, National Center for Mental Health, An affiliate of the Ministry for Health & Welfare, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin-Sun Jun
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Woo-Jin Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Soon-Tae Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Keun-Hwa Jung
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Il Park
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital Healthcare System Gangnam Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ki-Young Jung
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang Kun Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kon Chu
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
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48
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Abstract
Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness in the “tsutsugamushi triangle”, transmitted by chiggers that can be treated effectively if detected early. Laboratory testing, including molecular and serological assays, is needed for confirming the diagnosis, especially in the absence of the pathognomonic eschar. In this review, factors that play a role in disease occurrence and clinical clues for diagnosis, in addition to risk factors contributing to disease severity, including mortality, are discussed in detail. Moreover, issues related to diagnostic assays, treatment, and mixed infections are also enumerated and described.
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Characteristics of scrub typhus, murine typhus, and Q fever among elderly patients: Prolonged prothrombin time as a predictor for severity. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2017; 52:54-61. [PMID: 28709838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2016.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE The clinical manifestations of scrub typhus, murine typhus and acute Q fever in the elderly are not clear. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study to identify the characteristics of the elderly aged ≥65 years with a comparison group aged 18-64 years among patients with scrub typhus, murine typhus, or acute Q fever who were serologically confirmed at three hospitals in Taiwan during 2002-2011. RESULTS Among 441 cases, including 187 cases of scrub typhus, 166 acute Q fever, and 88 murine typhus, 68 (15.4%) cases were elderly patients. The elderly had a higher severe complication rate (10.3% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.022), but did not have a significantly higher mortality rate (1.47% vs. 0.54%, p = 0.396). Compared with those without severe complications, we found the elderly (p = 0.022), dyspnea (p = 0.006), less relative bradycardia (p = 0.004), less febrile illness (p = 0.004), prolonged prothrombin time (PT) (p = 0.002), higher levels of initial C-reactive protein (p = 0.039), blood leukocyte counts (p = 0.01), and lower platelet counts (p = 0.012) are significantly associated with severe complications. Only prolonged prothrombin time was associated with severe complications in multivariate analysis (p = 0.018, CI 95% 0.01-0.66). Among clinical symptoms and laboratory data, multivariate analysis revealed chills was less frequently occurred in the elderly (p = 0.012, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33-9.99). CONCLUSION The elderly cases with scrub typhus, murine typhus, or acute Q fever would be more likely to have severe complications, for which prothrombin time prolongation is an important predictor for severe complications.
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50
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Zhao D, Zhang Y, Yin Z, Zhao J, Yang D, Zhou Q. Clinical Predictors of Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndromes in Pediatric patients with Scrub Typhus. J Trop Pediatr 2017; 63:167-173. [PMID: 27697827 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmw066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Scrub typhus can produce multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Early recognition of the patients at risk of MODS would be helpful in providing timely management and reducing the mortality. In all, 449 children with scrub typhus were enrolled at three hospitals in Yunnan, China from January 2010 to January 2015. The patients' clinical status of organ system dysfunction was evaluated on the day of discharge from hospital by using standard criteria. The patients were classified into MODS present (64 cases, 14.3%) or MODS absent (385 cases, 85.7%). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the prognostic factors for MODS included skin rash (odds ratio, OR = 3.3, p = 0.037), time interval form treatment to defervescence (OR = 1.2, p = 0.035), hemoglobin (OR = 0.54, p = 0.041), platelet counts (OR = 0.06, p < 0.001), aspartate-aminotransferase (OR = 4.7, p = 0.011) and total bilirubin (OR = 2.3, p = 0.013). By describing risk factors resulting in MODS in pediatric scrub typhus, our study provides clinicians with important information to improve the clinical monitoring and prognostication of MODS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongying Zhao
- Xin Hua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yongjun Zhang
- Xin Hua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.,MOE and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | | | - Jing Zhao
- Longling People's Hospital, Yunnan, 678300, China
| | - Defeng Yang
- Longling People's Hospital, Yunnan, 678300, China
| | - Qun Zhou
- Baoshan People's Hospital, Yunnan, 678000, China
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