Scrub typhus

The tsutsugamushi fever (also: Scrub typhus or Japanese river fever) is comparable with the typhus infection.

The causative agent is the Orientia tsutsugamushi ( the Rickettsiaceae belonging ). It is transmitted by mites, which are among the Trombidiformes. These sit preferred on bushes, after which the name refers Scrub. The small bite wound is nekroseartig visible.

Symptoms of the disease include fever, muscle aches and rash and other nonspecific symptoms. Splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy and leukopenia are observed. For specific diagnosis is developed by Edmund Weil and Arthur Felix procedure in question, based on cross-reaction between rickettsial antibodies and Proteus antigens. Immunofluorescence is suitable for laboratory confirmation improves, but the distribution is often not available.

A vaccine is not available, because different strains are known which differ in antigen pattern. For prophylaxis is therefore suitable insect protection. Since the disease can fatal if left untreated, is treated with antibiotics. Doxycycline is the standard means for the development of resistance, however, must be partially resorting to other antibiotics.

Distribution area is Asia, and in the adjacent regions Australia and Oceania, as well as to India this infection can occur. You will not be detected due to lack of diagnostic facilities in rural areas there often. After the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake occurred in Japan to an outbreak of the disease. During World War II, Merrill 's Marauders were affected.