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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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Kutsuna S, Ohbe H, Matsui H, Yasunaga H. Delayed Tetracycline Initiation Increases Mortality Risk in Patients With Japanese Spotted Fever: Retrospective Analysis Using a National Inpatient Database. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac573. [DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
This study aimed to determine the relationship between time to tetracycline therapy initiation and disease outcome in patients hospitalized with Japanese spotted fever (JSF).
Methods
Patients with JSF enrolled in the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database from July 2010 to March 2021 were included in the analysis. Patients who received tetracycline on the day of admission were compared with those who received tetracycline later during their hospital stay using inverse probability of treatment weighting. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were total hospitalization cost and length of hospital stay.
Results
A total of 1360 patients were included, of whom 1060 (78%) received tetracycline on the day of admission (early tetracycline group), and 300 (22%) received tetracycline later (delayed tetracycline group). Patients in the delayed tetracycline group had significantly higher in-hospital mortality than those in the early tetracycline group (3.9% vs 1.4%; odds ratio, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.34–6.47), significantly higher hospitalization costs, and longer hospital stays than those in the early tetracycline group.
Conclusions
The prognosis of patients with JSF is worse if tetracycline administration is delayed; therefore, physicians should initiate tetracycline on admission if JSF is suspected as a possible diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Kutsuna
- Department of Infection Control, Graduate School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Osaka University , Suita City, Osaka , Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Ohbe
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo , Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo , Japan
| | - Hiroki Matsui
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo , Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo , Japan
| | - Hideo Yasunaga
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo , Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo , Japan
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Shrestha S, Karn M, Regmi SM, Pradhan S, Nagila A, Prajapati R. Clinical profile and biochemical abnormalities in Scrub Typhus: A cross-sectional study. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 84:104903. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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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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Gupta H, Parchani A, Choudhury A, G J, Pathania M, Bairwa M. Atrial Fibrillation in Scrub Typhus: A Series of Four Cases. Cureus 2022; 14:e25338. [PMID: 35774709 PMCID: PMC9236644 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25338] [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] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus, also known as bush typhus, is an acute febrile zoonosis caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, transmitted by the bite of chigger mite. Patients with scrub typhus can have many different presentations such as acute hearing loss, interstitial pneumonitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, myocarditis, pericarditis, meningoencephalitis, acute renal failure, acute hepatic failure, and septic shock. The occurrence of multi-organ dysfunction is responsible for high mortality seen in scrub typhus patients. Cardiovascular involvement can also occur in the form of arrhythmia, which leads to an increase in mortality in these patients, and if associated with ischemic heart disease and acute heart failure, it leads to higher mortality. The early use of antibiotics and telemetry monitoring along with aggressive management of patients can decrease the complications and mortality seen in these patients. This study describes a series of four scrub typhus patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation who were managed with either direct current (DC) cardioversion, amiodarone, or diltiazem.
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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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Ryu HS, Moon BJ, Park JY, Kim SD, Seo SK, Lee JK. Acute transverse myelitis following scrub typhus: A case report and review of the literature. J Spinal Cord Med 2020; 43:548-551. [PMID: 29350608 PMCID: PMC7480440 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2017.1420538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Scrub typhus is an acute febrile disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. The disease can usually involve the lungs, heart, liver, spleen and brain through hematogenous dissemination. However, very rarely, acute transverse myelitis in the spinal cord develops from scrub typhus. We present a case of acute transverse myelitis following scrub typhus with a review of the literature. Findings: A 66-year-old male visited a hospital for general myalgia, mild headache, and fever in October. He was noted to have thick, black papule skin on his abdomen, which was highly suggestive of scrub typhus. To confirm the diagnosis, O. tsutsugamushi antibody titers were examined and detected highly in serum by an indirect fluorescence antibody assay. Doxycycline, the standard treatment for scrub typhus, was administered. However, after seven days of treatment, he rapidly developed weakness in the right leg, paresthesia in both lower limbs, and voiding difficulty. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed lesions with high signal intensity involving the spinal cord at the thoracolumbar junction. Paraparesis gradually improved following steroid pulse therapy for five days. At one-year follow-up, he could walk without cane. Conclusions:Orientia tsutsugamushi causes scrub typhus, which can affect not only the brain, but also the spinal cord. Although acute transverse myelitis develops rarely from scrub typhus, this should be considered as differential diagnosis in patients of fever with neurological deficit in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Seung Ryu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chonnam National University Hospital and Medical School, Biomedical Research Institute, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Bong Ju Moon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chonnam National University Hospital and Medical School, Biomedical Research Institute, Gwangju, Korea,Correspondence to: Bong Ju Moon, M.D. Department of Neurosurgery, Chonnam National University Hospital, 42-Jebong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61469, Korea.
| | - Jae-Young Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chonnam National University Hospital and Medical School, Biomedical Research Institute, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Sang-Deok Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chonnam National University Hospital and Medical School, Biomedical Research Institute, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Seung-Kwon Seo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dong-Ah Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jung-Kil Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chonnam National University Hospital and Medical School, Biomedical Research Institute, Gwangju, Korea
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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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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: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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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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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Thipmontree W, Suwattanabunpot K, Supputtamonkol Y. Spontaneous Splenic Rupture Caused by Scrub Typhus. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 95:1284-1286. [PMID: 27698275 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous rupture of the spleen is rarely described as a complication of scrub typhus infection. We report a previously healthy 74-year-old Thai female farmer who presented in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, with a history of fever and malaise for 5 days, followed by abdominal pain for 1 day. An exploratory laparotomy was performed due to peritonitis. Operative findings revealed a ruptured spleen and hemoperitoneum. A splenectomy was performed afterward. Scrub typhus was confirmed by a 4-fold increase of IgM titer using an indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay and a positive result from the polymerase chain reaction targeting the 47- and 56-kDa genes in Orientia tsutsugamushi She responded well to intravenous chloramphenicol and defervesced within 24 hours without any complication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilawan Thipmontree
- Department of Medicine, Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
| | | | - Yupin Supputtamonkol
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Sharma N, Biswal M, Kumar A, Zaman K, Jain S, Bhalla A. Scrub Typhus in a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 95:447-51. [PMID: 27296391 PMCID: PMC4973198 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus, a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, has become endemic in many parts of India. We studied the clinical profile of this infection in 228 patients that reported to this tertiary care center from July 2013 to December 2014. The median age of patients was 35 years (interquartile range = 24.5-48.5 years), and 111 were males and 117 females. A high-grade fever occurred in 85%, breathlessness in 42%, jaundice in 32%, abdominal pain in 28%, renal failure in 11%, diarrhea in 10%, rashes in 9%, and seizures in 7%. Common laboratory abnormalities at presentation were a deranged hepatic function in 61%, anemia in 54%, leukopenia in 15%, and thrombocytopenia in 90% of our patients. Acute kidney injury (32%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (25%), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) (16%) were the commonest complications. A hepatorenal syndrome was seen in 38% and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in 20% patients. The overall case fatality rate was 13.6%. In univariate analysis, ARDS requiring mechanical ventilation, acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis, hypotension requiring inotropic support, central nervous system dysfunction at presentation, and MODS were inversely associated with survival. Survival was significantly higher in patients that presented with a duration of fever < 10 days compared with those that presented ≥ 12 days (P < 0.05) after onset. In conclusion, scrub typhus has become a leading infectious disease in north India and an important cause of infectious fever. An increasing awareness of this disease coupled with prompt management will go a long way in reducing both morbidity and mortality from this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navneet Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
| | - Manisha Biswal
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Abhay Kumar
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kamran Zaman
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sanjay Jain
- Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ashish Bhalla
- Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Kang SJ, Jin HM, Won EJ, Cho YN, Jung HJ, Kwon YS, Kee HJ, Ju JK, Kim JC, Kim UJ, Jang HC, Jung SI, Kee SJ, Park YW. Activation, Impaired Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Production, and Deficiency of Circulating Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells in Patients with Scrub Typhus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004832. [PMID: 27463223 PMCID: PMC4963088 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [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: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells contribute to protection against certain microorganism infections. However, little is known about the role of MAIT cells in Orientia tsutsugamushi infection. Hence, the aims of this study were to examine the level and function of MAIT cells in patients with scrub typhus and to evaluate the clinical relevance of MAIT cell levels. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Thirty-eight patients with scrub typhus and 53 health control subjects were enrolled in the study. The patients were further divided into subgroups according to disease severity. MAIT cell level and function in the peripheral blood were measured by flow cytometry. Circulating MAIT cell levels were found to be significantly reduced in scrub typhus patients. MAIT cell deficiency reflects a variety of clinical conditions. In particular, MAT cell levels reflect disease severity. MAIT cells in scrub typhus patients displayed impaired tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production, which was restored during the remission phase. In addition, the impaired production of TNF-α by MAIT cells was associated with elevated CD69 expression. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that circulating MAIT cells are activated, numerically deficient, and functionally impaired in TNF-α production in patients with scrub typhus. These abnormalities possibly contribute to immune system dysregulation in scrub typhus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Ji Kang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Mi Jin
- Department of Rheumatology, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jeong Won
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Nan Cho
- Department of Rheumatology, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Ju Jung
- Department of Rheumatology, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Soo Kwon
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Jin Kee
- Heart Research Center, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Kyun Ju
- Department of Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Chul Kim
- Department of Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Uh Jin Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Chang Jang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sook-In Jung
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Jung Kee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Wook Park
- Department of Rheumatology, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
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14
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Kim HH, Chung JH, Kim DM, Yun NR, Lee J, Kwon YE, Yoon SH, Lee SI, Han MA. The clinical characteristics of pleural effusion in scrub typhus. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:278. [PMID: 27287396 PMCID: PMC4902952 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1613-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study is to identify the factors associated with the occurrence of pleural effusion and to investigate the characteristics of pleural effusion in scrub typhus. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical records of scrub typhus patients between January 2004 and December 2011 at Chosun University Hospital in South Korea. A total of 445 scrub typhus patients were divided into the following two groups: without (n = 352) or with pleural effusion (n = 93). The data of 18 scrub typhus patients who underwent thoracentesis were summarized. Results Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the following factors were associated with the occurrence of pleural effusion in scrub typhus: older age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.029, P = 0.037, confidence interval [CI] = 1.002–1.056); male gender (OR = 1.924, P = 0.020, CI = 1.109–3.340); presence of heart failure (OR = 2.628, P = 0.039, CI = 1.052–6.565); and lower albumin (OR = 0.107, P ≤ 0.001, CI = 0.058–0.196). Most pleural effusion presentations were bilateral (88 %) and small (91 %). The effusion had transudate characteristics in 7 patients and exudate characteristics in 11 patients based on Light’s criteria. Conclusions This study provided the first data regarding the following four independent risk factors associated with the occurrence of pleural effusion: older age; male gender; the presence of heart failure; and lower albumin. The pleural effusion presentations in scrub typhus patients were bilateral and small in most cases, with transudate and/or exudate characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Ho Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, 588 Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 501-717, South Korea
| | - Jong-Hoon Chung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, 588 Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 501-717, South Korea
| | - Dong-Min Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, 588 Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 501-717, South Korea.
| | - Na Ra Yun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, 588 Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 501-717, South Korea
| | - Jun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, 588 Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 501-717, South Korea
| | - Yong Eun Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, 588 Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 501-717, South Korea
| | - Sung Ho Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, 588 Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 501-717, South Korea
| | - Seung Il Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, 588 Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 501-717, South Korea
| | - Mi Ah Han
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
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15
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Chikeka I, Dumler JS. Neglected bacterial zoonoses. Clin Microbiol Infect 2015; 21:404-15. [PMID: 25964152 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2015.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial zoonoses comprise a group of diseases in humans or animals acquired by direct contact with or by oral consumption of contaminated animal materials, or via arthropod vectors. Among neglected infections, bacterial zoonoses are among the most neglected given emerging data on incidence and prevalence as causes of acute febrile illness, even in areas where recognized neglected tropical diseases occur frequently. Although many other bacterial infections could also be considered in this neglected category, five distinct infections stand out because they are globally distributed, are acute febrile diseases, have high rates of morbidity and case fatality, and are reported as commonly as malaria, typhoid or dengue virus infections in carefully designed studies in which broad-spectrum diagnoses are actively sought. This review will focus attention on leptospirosis, relapsing fever borreliosis and rickettsioses, including scrub typhus, murine typhus and spotted fever group rickettsiosis. Of greatest interest is the lack of distinguishing clinical features among these infections when in humans, which confounds diagnosis where laboratory confirmation is lacking, and in regions where clinical diagnosis is often attributed to one of several perceived more common threats. As diseases such as malaria come under improved control, the real impact of these common and under-recognized infections will become evident, as will the requirement for the strategies and allocation of resources for their control.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Chikeka
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - J S Dumler
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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16
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Zhang L, Zhao Z, Bi Z, Kou Z, Zhang M, Yang L, Zheng L. Risk factors associated with severe scrub typhus in Shandong, northern China. Int J Infect Dis 2014; 29:203-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2014.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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17
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Watt G, Kantipong P, Jirajarus K, Wongsawat E, Waywa D, Suputtamongkol Y. Acute scrub typhus in Northern Thailand: EKG changes. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2003; 95:769-773. [PMID: 12236430 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The electrocardiographic (EKG) manifestations of scrub typhus were prospectively evaluated in 29 adult patients who acquired Orientia tsutsugamushi infection in Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand. EKGs were normal in 22 of the 29 patients (76%); minor non-specific changes were found in the other 7 patients; ie ST segment/T wave changes (10%), U waves (7%), and premature ventricular contractions (4%). These results suggest that EKG changes in scrub typhus acquired in areas of diminished antibiotic susceptibility are similar to those observed in O. tsutsugamushi infection acquired elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Watt
- Department of Retrovirology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Ekkarat Wongsawat
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Duangdao Waywa
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yupin Suputtamongkol
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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