The Rapid Effectiveness of Minocycline against Scrub Typhus Meningoencephalitis

Intern Med. 2016;55(7):805-9. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.55.5304. Epub 2016 Apr 1.

Abstract

Scrub typhus is associated with various clinical symptoms. However, the pathogenesis of scrub typhus infection remains to be elucidated. A 73-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with consciousness disturbance and suspected meningoencephalitis. The patient's laboratory data showed deterioration and were indicative of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). A whole body examination to detect the trigger disease revealed an eschar, which is a characteristic of scrub typhus, on his back. His symptoms showed dramatic improvement after the administration of minocycline (MINO). This case report highlights that the clinical course of a case of scrub typhus meningoencephalitis that was cured with MINO.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / diagnosis
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / drug therapy
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / etiology*
  • Male
  • Meningoencephalitis / diagnosis
  • Meningoencephalitis / drug therapy
  • Meningoencephalitis / etiology*
  • Minocycline / therapeutic use
  • Scrub Typhus / complications*
  • Scrub Typhus / drug therapy

Substances

  • Minocycline