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Ogawa T, Tsuzuki S, Ohbe H, Matsui H, Fushimi K, Yasunaga H, Kutsuna S. Analysis of Differences in Characteristics of High-Risk Endemic Areas for Contracting Japanese Spotted Fever, Tsutsugamushi Disease, and Severe Fever With Thrombocytopenia Syndrome. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae025. [PMID: 38312217 PMCID: PMC10836194 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae025] [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: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne infections, including tsutsugamushi disease, Japanese spotted fever, and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), are prevalent in East Asia with varying geographic distribution and seasonality. This study aimed to investigate the differences in the characteristics among endemic areas for contracting each infection. Methods We conducted an ecologic study in Japan, using data from a nationwide inpatient database and publicly available geospatial data. We identified 4493 patients who were hospitalized for tick-borne infections between July 2010 and March 2021. Mixed-effects modified Poisson regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with a higher risk of contracting each tick-borne disease (Tsutsugamushi, Japanese spotted fever, and SFTS). Results Mixed-effects modified Poisson regression analysis revealed that environmental factors, such as temperature, sunlight duration, elevation, precipitation, and vegetation, were associated with the risk of contracting these diseases. Tsutsugamushi disease was positively associated with higher temperatures, farms, and forests, whereas Japanese spotted fever and SFTS were positively associated with higher solar radiation and forests. Conclusions Our findings from this ecologic study indicate that different environmental factors play a significant role in the risk of transmission of tick-borne infections. Understanding the differences can aid in identifying high-risk areas and developing public health strategies for infection prevention. Further research is needed to address causal relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahisa Ogawa
- Department of Orthopedic, Saku General Hospital Saku Medical Center, Nagano, Japan
- Department of Health Policy and Informatics, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinya Tsuzuki
- Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hiroyuki Ohbe
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Matsui
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyohide Fushimi
- Department of Health Policy and Informatics, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideo Yasunaga
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kutsuna
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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Sasaki K, Yamada K, Matama C, Koike D, Hirade T, Mashino J, Kato F, Taketani T. A Japanese Boy With Spotted Fever and Overlapping Symptoms of Kawasaki Disease: A Case Report. Cureus 2024; 16:e51915. [PMID: 38333512 PMCID: PMC10850932 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51915] [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] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Japanese spotted fever (JSF) is a tick-transmitted infection caused by Rickettsia japonica (R. japonica), which is indigenous to Japan. Patients with JSF typically present with fever and spotted erythema on the palms and/or soles, and most of them have site(s) of tick bites. The prognosis is good, but some cases have a fatal course. Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis with an unknown cause that is characterized by symptoms such as fever, conjunctival injection, oral findings, amorphous rash, rigid edema, and nonsuppurative cervical lymphadenopathy. Although the symptoms of JSF are partially similar to those of KD, case reports of JSF overlapping KD have never been internationally published. Herein, we report a boy with JSF and KD symptoms. A five-year-old boy presented with fever and rash after he had been on a mountain inhabited by R. japonica. On the fifth day, erythema was spotted mainly on his bilateral palms, bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy, rigid edema of his lower feet, and mild conjunctival injection appeared. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy was performed because these symptoms satisfied five out of the six diagnostic criteria for KD. However, on the sixth day, the fever persisted, and then we readministered IVIG in addition to tosufloxacin and azithromycin since we found a tick-bite eschar, which suggested a complication of JSF. His symptoms resolved soon after this treatment. Coronary artery lesions were never observed. This case indicates that the R. japonica infection overlaps clinically with KD. Tosufloxacin and azithromycin should be considered to avoid the use of minocycline in younger patients with JSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Sasaki
- Department of Community Medicine, Shimane Prefectural Central Hospital, Himebara, JPN
| | - Kenji Yamada
- Department of Pediatrics, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, JPN
- Department of Pediatrics, Shimane Prefectural Central Hospital, Himebara, JPN
| | - Chihiro Matama
- Department of Pediatrics, Shimane Prefectural Central Hospital, Himebara, JPN
| | - Daisuke Koike
- Department of Pediatrics, Shimane Prefectural Central Hospital, Himebara, JPN
| | - Tomohiro Hirade
- Department of Pediatrics, Shimane Prefectural Central Hospital, Himebara, JPN
| | - Junji Mashino
- Department of General Medicine, Shimane Prefectural Central Hospital, Himebara, JPN
| | - Fumihide Kato
- Department of Pediatrics, Shimane Prefectural Central Hospital, Himebara, JPN
| | - Takeshi Taketani
- Department of Pediatrics, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, JPN
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Amano S, Suyama S, Nishikura N, Sano C, Ohta R. Complicated Japanese Spotted Fever With Meningitis in an Older Patient: A Case Report. Cureus 2023; 15:e50681. [PMID: 38229818 PMCID: PMC10791036 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50681] [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] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Japanese spotted fever (JSF) poses a significant public health challenge, mainly due to its atypical presentation in specific demographics. This report details a unique case of JSF in an 89-year-old female who was admitted to a rural hospital exhibiting generalized pain and rapid cognitive decline but no rash. Initially misdiagnosed as polymyalgia rheumatica, her condition was complicated by thrombocytopenia and altered mental state, prompting consideration of tick-borne illnesses. Subsequent serological analysis confirmed JSF despite the absence of its hallmark rash. The patient's condition escalated to include bacteremia and aseptic meningitis. Treatment involved a regimen of minocycline and meropenem, along with endoscopic cauterization of a bleeding rectal ulcer. After treatment, the patient showed improvement and was transferred for rehabilitation. This case highlights the criticality of considering JSF in elderly patients within endemic areas, even when classic symptoms like erythema and petechiae are absent. It underscores the necessity for broad diagnostic perspectives, especially in atypical presentations, and the integration of comprehensive care approaches. The involvement of caregivers and relatives in early detection and seeking medical care promptly is crucial. The report illustrates the complexities in diagnosing and managing advanced JSF cases and stresses the importance of early serological testing and adaptive treatment strategies in managing such challenging cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiho Amano
- Community Care, Unnan City Hospital, Unnan, JPN
| | | | | | - Chiaki Sano
- Community Medicine Management, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, JPN
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Teramoto K, Tamura S, Yoshida K, Inada Y, Yamashita Y, Morimoto M, Mushino T, Koreeda D, Miyamoto K, Komiya N, Nakano Y, Takagaki Y, Koizumi Y. Clinical Characteristics and Diagnostic Prediction of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome and Rickettsiosis in the Co-Endemic Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:2024. [PMID: 38004073 PMCID: PMC10672843 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59112024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The Wakayama prefecture is endemic for two types of tick-borne rickettsioses: Japanese spotted fever (JFS) and scrub typhus (ST). Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a tick-borne hemorrhagic viral disease with a high mortality rate and is often difficult to differentiate from such rickettsioses. SFTS cases have recently increased in Wakayama prefecture. For early diagnosis, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical characterization of such tick-borne infections in the co-endemic area. Materials and Methods: The study included 64 febrile patients diagnosed with tick-borne infection in Wakayama prefecture between January 2013 and May 2022. Medical records of 19 patients with SFTS and 45 with rickettsiosis (JSF, n = 26; ST, n = 19) were retrospectively examined. The receiver operating curve (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated to evaluate potential factors for differentiating SFTS from rickettsiosis. Results: Adults aged ≥70 years were most vulnerable to tick-borne infections (median, 75.5 years; interquartile range, 68.5-84 years). SFTS and rickettsiosis occurred mostly between summer and autumn. However, no significant between-group differences were found in age, sex, and comorbidities; 17 (89%) patients with SFTS, but none of those with rickettsiosis, experienced gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Meanwhile, 43 (96%) patients with rickettsiosis, but none of those with SFTS, developed a skin rash. The AUCs of white blood cells (0.97) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (0.98) were very high. Furthermore, the differential diagnosis of SFTS was significantly associated with the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms (AUC 0.95), the absence of a skin rash (AUC 0.98), leukopenia <3.7 × 109/L (AUC 0.95), and low CRP levels < 1.66 mg/dL (AUC 0.98) (p < 0.001 for each factor). Conclusions: Clinical characteristics and standard laboratory parameters can verify the early diagnosis of SFTS in areas where tick-borne infections are endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kan Teramoto
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Health Insurance Susami Hospital, Wakayama 649-2621, Japan
- Department of Hematology, Kinan Hospital, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Shinobu Tamura
- Department of Hematology, Kinan Hospital, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Kikuaki Yoshida
- Department of Hematology, Kinan Hospital, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Yukari Inada
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Yusuke Yamashita
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Masaya Morimoto
- Department of Hematology, Kinan Hospital, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Toshiki Mushino
- Department of Hematology, Kinan Hospital, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Daisuke Koreeda
- Department of Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Wakayama Medical Center, Wakayama 640-8558, Japan
| | - Kyohei Miyamoto
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Komiya
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Japanese Red Cross Wakayama Medical Center, Wakayama 640-8558, Japan
| | - Yoshio Nakano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kinan Hospital, Wakayama 646-8588, Japan
| | - Yusaku Takagaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Health Insurance Susami Hospital, Wakayama 649-2621, Japan
| | - Yusuke Koizumi
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
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