Exploring Tropical Infections: A Focus on Scrub Typhus

Adv Skin Wound Care. 2020 Oct;33(10):550-552. doi: 10.1097/01.ASW.0000694148.60567.cf.

Abstract

Scrub typhus is caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi and has a near global prevalence. It is associated with local and systemic manifestations that lead to morbidity and mortality. Given the nonspecific presentation of fever in a returning traveler, a high index of suspicion and thorough skin examination for eschar are critical to establishing a diagnosis. Early treatment is crucial to avoid severe outcomes, further highlighting the need to include scrub typhus in differential diagnosis. An accompanying narrative case explores the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of scrub typhus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Orientia tsutsugamushi / isolation & purification
  • Scrub Typhus / diagnosis*
  • Scrub Typhus / drug therapy*
  • Scrub Typhus / microbiology
  • Tetracycline / therapeutic use
  • Tropical Climate*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Tetracycline