A PARALYZING BITE: AN UNORTHODOX CASE OF SCRUB TYPHUS IN A NON-ABORIGINAL MALAYSIAN PATIENT
https://doi.org/10.22452/jummec.vol23no1.8
- Author:
Haizuddin Awang
1
;
Md Hanif Md Arif
2
Author Information
1. Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
2. Department of Radiology, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Scrub Typhus;
Encephalomyelitis;
Quadriplegia;
Malaysia
- MeSH:
Scrub Typhus;
Encephalomyelitis;
Quadriplegia;
Malaysia
- From:Journal of University of Malaya Medical Centre
2020;23(1):39-43
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness caused by the bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi, which can be transmitted to humans through the bite of infected trombiculid chigger mites. Besides the typical clinical features of fever and eschar formation, the central nervous system has been reported to be involved as evidenced of reported cases ranging from meningitis to meningoencephalitis. Here, we describe an atypical presentation of scrub typhus case that occurred in a 34-year-old Malay male who presented with quadriplegia following an insect bite at the back of his neck. Our case displayed unusual findings of this rare condition in a non-aboriginal Malaysian population. Based on previous literature, we emphasized the importance of prompt diagnosis of scrub typhus in order to reduce the mortality and morbidity and to improve the quality of life for patients with complications of this disease.
- Full text:202508111239508108351009.pdf
