Murine Typhus Presenting With Mucosal Involvement

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Lipschutz ulcers (LU) are painful genital ulcers typically seen in non-sexually active females.
• Associated infections include Epstein Barr virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Cytomegalovirus, and influenza.
• Murine typhus, caused by Rickettsia typhi, is an uncommon cause of genital ulceration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first known case of Lipschutz ulcers associated with murine typhus.
• To increase awareness of this rare co-occurrence in clinical practice.
• To emphasize the diagnostic challenges of Rickettsia typhi infections.

Main Methods:

• Case report presentation.
• Review of clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and treatment.
• Literature search for similar cases.

Main Results:

• A case of Lipschutz ulcers co-occurring with murine typhus is described.
• The patient presented with typical symptoms of murine typhus, including fever and malaise.
• Diagnosis of Rickettsia typhi infection was confirmed, and the patient was treated with doxycycline.

Conclusions:

• This case expands the spectrum of conditions associated with Lipschutz ulcers.
• Murine typhus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of LU, especially in endemic areas.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment with doxycycline are crucial for Rickettsia typhi infections.