Digital Gangrene Associated with Scrub Typhus: A Case Series

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Rickettsial diseases encompass a wide range of illnesses, with scrub typhus being a globally prevalent chigger mite-borne infectious disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi.
• Scrub typhus infections present with variable severity, ranging from mild symptoms to critical multiorgan failure.

Observation:

• This report details three scrub typhus cases (two females, one male) presenting with focal or pan-digital gangrene.
• Digital gangrene is an infrequent but serious complication observed in these scrub typhus patients.

Findings:

• All three patients with digital gangrene secondary to scrub typhus were successfully treated with doxycycline.
• Supportive care measures were also administered alongside doxycycline for effective management.

Implications:

• The occurrence of digital gangrene in scrub typhus underscores the need for heightened clinical suspicion for early diagnosis.
• Prompt and appropriate treatment, including doxycycline, is vital to avert severe complications such as gangrene in scrub typhus cases.
• This case series highlights the importance of recognizing unusual presentations of scrub typhus for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.