Journal of Tropical Diseases and Parasitology ›› 2023, Vol. 21 ›› Issue (6): 326-329.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-2302.2023.06.005

• SPECIAL TOPICS ON PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF SCRUB TYPHUS • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Analysis on the clinical pictures of scrub typhus in 52 cases in southern Anhui Province

JI Yuanhao(), WU Qiongle, WANG Wenjie, WANG Ni, YANG Jinsun()   

  1. The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital), Wuhu 241000, Anhui Province, China
  • Received:2023-11-02 Online:2023-12-20 Published:2024-01-12
  • Contact: YANG Jinsun, E-mail: yangjinsun999999@163.com

Abstract:

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics and misdiagnosis of scrub typhus in patients from southern Anhui area for evidences to make timely and effective diagnosis and treatment for this acute infection. Methods Included in current study were the patients with Orientia tsutsugamushi treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College between January 2018 and October 2023. The data, including demographic information, clinical manifestations and related examination findings, were collected and descriptively analyzed. Results A total of 52 cases were included, in whom 24 were males (46.15%) and 28 females (53.85%). The average age was (56.71±12.36) years, with the majority being 30-69 years (44 cases, 84.62%). The infection most occurred in farmers (26 cases, 50.00%), and the highest prevalence was seen in the period from June to November (40 cases, 76.92%). The patients had definite history of insect bites (17 cases, 32.69%), and the clinical pictures primarily consisted of fever (52 cases, 100.00%), rash (51 cases, 98.08%), scabs (50 cases, 96.15%), and poor appetite (38 cases, 73.08%). The laboratory tests mainly showed elevated levels of C-reactive protein (45 cases, 86.54%), aspartate aminotransferase (33 cases, 63.46%), lactate dehydrogenase (45 cases, 86.54%), and D-dimer (47 cases, 90.38%). The electrocardiogram chiefly exhibited ST-T changes (17 cases), atrial premature contractions (11 cases), and ventricular premature contractions (8 cases). CT scans exposed pleural effusion in 8 cases and pulmonary infectious lesions in 11. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed liver enlargement in 6 cases and splenomegaly in 10 cases. The fever relief was (4.52±1.87) days in the 12 patients treated with levofloxacin or moxifloxacin therapy, and (2.71±1.08) days in another 40 treated with doxycycline. The length of hospital stay was (6.75±2.26) days and (4.16±2.15) days, and all patients were cured. The average time for diagnosis was (6.45±2.20) days. Misdiagnosis occurred in 38 cases (73.08%), which included 25 cases of bacterial infection, 8 cases of viral infection, 3 cases of drug-induced dermatitis and 2 cases of rheumatic and immune system diseases. Conclusion The clinical characteristics of tsutsugamushi disease in southern Anhui are still mainly specific rashes and scabs, but the misdiagnosis rate is relatively high. When making a clinical diagnosis, it is necessary to inquire in detail about the epidemiological history, conduct a thorough physical examination, and carefully analyze auxiliary examinations to reduce the occurrence of misdiagnosis.

Key words: Scrub typhus, Clinical features, Misdiagnosis, Southern Anhui Province

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