Clinical characteristics of scrub typhus in 159 patients from 2019 to 2023
10.16718/j.1009-7708.2025.03.001
- VernacularTitle:2019-2023年恙虫病159例临床特征分析
- Author:
Hua MA
1
;
Shui WANG
1
;
Qiu ZHANG
1
;
Zhiping LI
1
;
Yinzhi PENG
1
;
Shuiling XIAO
1
;
Bo LIU
1
Author Information
1. 湖南省浏阳市人民医院感染性疾病科,长沙 410300
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
scrub typhus;
epidemiology;
clinical feature;
prognosis
- From:
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy
2025;25(3):241-247
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of scrub typhus in Liuyang People's Hospital Hunan Province for better diagnosis,treatment,prevention and control of scrub typhus.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 159 confirmed cases of scrub typhus.The demographic data of patients,clinical manifestations of scrub typhus,laboratory tests,and chest CT findings,complications,treatment,and outcomes were analyzed.Results The 159 patients with scrub typhus included 142 males and 17 females.The average age of patients was(53.8±11.9)(18-82)years old.The peak incidence of scrub typhus was in the period from July to September(87.42％).The common clinical manifestations included fever(97.48％),headache(41.51％),and fatigue(23.90％).The most common signs were eschar(92.45％)on the lower limbs(25.16％),scrotum(15.72％),and buttocks(11.32％).Laboratory test results upon admission showed decreased platelet count(64.15％),elevated creatinine(38.36％),elevated AST(90.57％),ALT(80.50％),and LDH(90.57％).Pulmonary imaging study revealed pulmonary inflammation(22.64％),pleural effusion(13.21％),and pericardial effusion(6.29％).The common complications included liver impairment(69.81％)and decreased platelet count(50.94％),as well as other complications such as renal dysfunction,myocardial injury,sepsis,respiratory failure,and disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC).Doxycycline-based therapies resulted in cure rate of 98.11％(156/159).Three patients died due to severe complications.Conclusions The peak incidence of scrub typhus was in the period from July to September in Hunan Province.Eschar is a key feature for clinical diagnosis.Scrub typhus can affect multiple organ systems,leading to various systemic complications.The cure rate is high with doxycycline treatment,but some patients may die from severe complications due to delayed medical treatment.
