Tsutsugamushi Disease in China

Abstract

Tsutsugamushi disease (Scrub typhus) is caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi that is transmitted by trombiculid mites. Scrub typhus is an infectious disease first discovered in China, as early as 1,600 years ago. There are six species of trombiculid mites that act as scrub typhus vector in different areas of China; another ten species of trombiculid mites have proved to be naturally infected with O. tsutsugamushi. The clinical manifestations of Scrub typhus range from subclinical disease to organ failure to fatal disease. Diagnosis of scrub typhus depends on a history of chigger biting and clinical manifestations with laboratory examination. Doxycycline is a key antibiotic used in scrub typhus patients’ treatment. Prevention and control strategy includes vector and reservoir host control and personal protection and health education.