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Rickettsioses in Japan and the far East

Fumihiko Mahara1

  • 1Mahara Hospital, 6-1, Aratano, Anan-city, Tokushima, 779-1510, Japan. mahara@tokushima.med.or.jp

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|November 23, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Japanese spotted fever (JSF) and other rickettsial diseases are increasing in Japan. JSF is a life-threatening illness, emphasizing the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Entomology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Three primary rickettsial diseases in Japan: Japanese spotted fever (JSF), Tsutsugamushi disease (TD), and Q fever.
  • Since 1999, these diseases are designated as national notifiable diseases due to changes in infection control.
  • JSF distribution is coastal central/southwestern Japan; TD and Q fever are widespread.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the epidemiology of rickettsial diseases in Japan.
  • To highlight the increasing incidence and endemic areas of JSF.
  • To discuss current treatment and vector identification for JSF.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of reported cases of JSF, TD, and Q fever from 1984-2004.
  • Review of tick surveys for vector identification.
  • Summary of clinical and epidemiological data.

Main Results:

  • JSF cases increased from 216 (1984-1998) to 268 (1999-2004).
  • TD occurs annually at 300-1000 cases; Q fever has 7-46 cases (1999-2004).
  • JSF remains life-threatening, with fatalities reported in 2004. Probable vectors identified as Haemophysalis flava and Haemophysalis hystericis.

Conclusions:

  • JSF incidence and endemic areas are expanding in Japan.
  • Prompt treatment with tetracycline and quinolone is crucial for severe JSF.
  • Further research is needed on newly identified spotted fever group rickettsiae genotypes.

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