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First cases of spotted fever group rickettsiosis in Thailand
T Sirisanthana1, V Pinyopornpanit, V Sirisanthana
1Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.
Abstract:
The first three cases of spotted fever group rickettsiosis from Thailand are reported. The patients presented with fever, headache, lymphadenopathy, and petechial maculopapular rash. One patient also had an eschar and overt evidence of confusion. An indirect fluorescent antibody test, an indirect immunoperoxidase test, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated a broad, strong reactions of the sera of the patients with spotted fever group rickettsia antigens of many species, but not with antigens of typhus or scrub typhus rickettsiae. All three patients responded to treatment with a single dose of doxycycline.
Insights
Three Thai patients with spotted fever group rickettsiosis presented with fever and rash. Diagnostic tests confirmed rickettsial infection, and all patients recovered after doxycycline treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Spotted fever group rickettsiosis (SFGR) is a tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia species.
- Limited data exists on SFGR in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand.
Observation:
- Three patients in Thailand presented with characteristic symptoms of SFGR, including fever, headache, lymphadenopathy, and rash.
- One patient exhibited an eschar and neurological symptoms (confusion).
- Laboratory tests indicated cross-reactivity with various SFG rickettsial antigens, differentiating it from typhus and scrub typhus.
Findings:
- Serological assays confirmed SFGR infection in all three patients.
- The patients showed a significant response to a single dose of doxycycline, a common antibiotic for rickettsial infections.
Implications:
- This report establishes the presence of SFGR in Thailand.
- Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with doxycycline are crucial for favorable outcomes in SFGR cases.
- Further research is needed to identify the specific Rickettsia species and vectors involved in Thailand.