Case of Rickettsia typhi-induced Brain Abscess Mimicking Brain Tumor

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Murine typhus, caused by Rickettsia typhi, is a widespread rickettsial infection.
• While typically causing mild symptoms like fever, rash, and headache, it can lead to severe neurological complications.
• Arthropod-borne diseases are re-emerging globally, necessitating awareness of their diverse presentations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of brain abscess caused by Rickettsia typhi.
• To emphasize the diagnostic challenges posed by R typhi-induced brain abscesses.
• To highlight the significance of considering murine typhus in the differential diagnosis of brain abscesses.

Main Methods:

• Case study of a patient presenting with a brain abscess.
• Clinical evaluation and diagnostic workup for Rickettsia typhi infection.
• Review of the literature on neurological complications of murine typhus.

Main Results:

• A patient developed a brain abscess attributed to Rickettsia typhi infection.
• The brain abscess mimicked a brain tumor, complicating initial diagnosis and treatment.
• This presentation underscores the potential for R typhi to cause serious central nervous system pathology.

Conclusions:

• Rickettsia typhi can cause brain abscesses that present as brain tumors.
• Delayed diagnosis can occur due to the atypical presentation of R typhi brain abscesses.
• Murine typhus must be included in the differential diagnosis for brain abscesses, particularly in endemic regions like South Korea.