Clinical and laboratory features of murine typhus in south Texas, 1980 through 1987

Article Abstract:

A description is presented of the clinical and laboratory features of murine typhus, a disease caused by infection with Rickettsia typhi. This organism is carried by fleas and mammals, such as rats, which serve as hosts for the fleas. The disease has been largely eradicated in the US, but remains an important worldwide problem. Most remaining cases in the US occur in the Rio Grande Valley of southern Texas. Between 1980 and 1987, 345 cases of murine typhus were reported to the Texas Department of Health in Austin. Although half the patients were 48 years or older, 5 patients were young children (10 years old or younger). Most cases occurred between April and August, but some cases were reported each month. Only 28 of the 72 patients for whom such data were recorded recalled a flea bite or close exposure to fleas or their hosts. Slightly more than half the patients developed a rash, but fever and headache were commonly present. Abnormal results on laboratory tests of liver, respiratory, hematologic (blood), and kidney function were common. Most patients were diagnosed and treated appropriately, but eight were only diagnosed retrospectively. Complications of murine typhus were uncommon; these included confusion, stupor, or coma (six patients), seizures (three patients) or balance disturbances (one patient), and respiratory failure (three patients). Three patients died. A discussion is presented of the abnormalities found in this population. Murine typhus has been very well controlled by the elimination of both the flea and the mammalian hosts that carry it. However, because it can cause serious complications and even death, it is important to diagnose this disease early so that drug therapy (with tetracycline and chloramphenicol) can be started. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Diagnosis, Development and progression, Typhus, Endemic flea-borne, Endemic flea-borne typhus

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Emerging bacterial zoonotic and vector-borne diseases: ecological and epidemiological factors

Article Abstract:

The Centers for Disease Control needs to increase its efforts to identify emerging infectious diseases. Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium that is transmitted by ticks. It can be difficult to diagnose because it causes non-specific symptoms and the characteristic rash is not always present. A disease similar to Lyme disease has been reported in the south. The Ehrlichia bacterium has been linked to two newly discovered diseases, human monocytic ehrlichiosis and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis. This bacterium is also transmitted by ticks. In fact, the same tick species could transmit several different bacterial species. There is a newly described rickettsial disease caused by a Rickettsia species transmitted by cat fleas. Bartonella is the recently discovered organism that causes cat scratch disease. It can cause severe infections in AIDS patients. Plague has been around for centuries, and is still a threat to humans.

Demographic aspects, Lyme disease, Bacterial infections, Plague, Rickettsial diseases, Ehrlichiosis

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Rocky Mountain spotted fever--changing ecology and persisting virulence

Article Abstract:

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is still one of the most virulent human infections ever identified and although many observers assume that the disease is not a significant threat to human health, five to ten per 100 children and adults who are infected will die. Many more will require intensive care and have sequelae such as amputation, deafness, or permanent learning impairment despite the availability of a simple and highly effective treatment.

New England States, Health aspects, Risk factors, Virus diseases, New England, Rocky Mountain spotted fever

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