Scrub typhus: systemic features
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Scrub typhus: systemic features. It is caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi: this is a rickettsial bacteria. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Pathology
- It is caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi: this is a rickettsial bacteria
- Transmission is through the bite of the larvae of Leptotrombidium mites (chiggers)
- The incubation period is 2-10 days
- Neurological features occur in 20% of cases
- Co-infection with dengue or chickungunya viruses may occur
Endemic areas: the tsutsugamushi triangle
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Cutaneous eschar: features
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Cutaneous eschar: common sites
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Cutaneous eschar: rarer sites
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Systemic features
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References
- Basu S, Chakravarty A. Neurological manifestations of scrub typhus. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2022; 22:491-498.
- Alam AM, Gillespie CS, Goodall J, et al. Neurological manifestations of scrub typhus infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical features and case fatality. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010952.
- Garg D, Manesh A. Neurological facets of scrub typhus: a comprehensive narrative review. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2021; 24:849-864.
- Kundavaram AP, Jonathan AJ, Nathaniel SD, Varghese GM. Eschar in scrub typhus: a valuable clue to the diagnosis. J Postgrad Med 2013; 59:177-178.
- Kim DM, Won KJ, Park CY, et al. Distribution of eschars on the body of scrub typhus patients: a prospective study. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2007; 76:806-809.
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