Browsing by Author "Jiang, Ju"
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- ItemCanine seroprevalence to Orientia species in southern Chile: A cross-sectional survey on the Chiloe A Island(2018) Weitzel, Thomas; Jiang, Ju; Acosta-Jamett, Gerardo; Martinez-Valdebenito, Constanza; Lopez, Javier; Richards, Allen L.; Abarca Villaseca, Katia
- ItemEndemic Scrub Typhus-like Illness, Chile(Centers for Disease Control an Prevention, 2011) Balcells Marty, María Elvira; Rabagliati Borie, Ricardo Miguel; García Cañete, Patricia Del Carmen; Poggi Mayorga, Helena Loreto; Oddo Benavides, Carlos David; Concha Rogazy, Marcela Andrea; Abarca Villaseca, Katia; Jiang, Ju; Kelly, Daryl J.; Richards, Allen L.; Fuerst, Paul A.We report a case of scrub typhus in a 54-year-old man who was bitten by several terrestrial leeches during a trip to Chiloe Island in southern Chile in 2006. A molecular sample, identified as related to Orientia tsutsugamushi based on the sequence of the 16S rRNA gene, was obtained from a biopsy specimen of the eschar on the patient's leg. Serologic analysis showed immunoglobulin G conversion against O. tsutsugamushi whole cell antigen. This case and its associated molecular analyses suggest that an Orientia-like agent is present in the Western Hemisphere that can produce scrub typhus-like illness. The molecular analysis suggests that the infectious agent is closely related, although not identical, to members of the Orientia sp. from Asia.
- ItemImported scrub typhus: first case in South America and review of the literature(2018) Weitzel, Thomas; Martínez Valdebenito, Constanza Pamela; Abarca Villaseca, Katia; Aylwin, Mabel; Jiang, Ju; Munita, Jose M.; Thompson, Luis; Richards, Allen L.Abstract Background Scrub typhus is a neglected vector-borne zoonosis causing life-threatening illnesses, endemic in the Asian-Pacific region and, as recently discovered, in southern Chile. Scrub typhus is rarely reported in travelers, most probably due to the lack of clinical experience and diagnostic tests in non-endemic countries. We report the first case of imported scrub typhus in South America. Case presentation A 62-year-old tourist from South Korea presented severely ill with fever, rash, and eschar in Santiago, Chile. Laboratory exams showed thrombocytopenia and elevated inflammation parameters, hepatic enzymes, and LDH. With the clinical suspicion of scrub typhus, empirical treatment with doxycycline was initiated and the patient recovered rapidly and without complications. The diagnosis was confirmed by IgM serology and by real-time PCR, which demonstrated infection with Orientia tsutsugamushi (Kawasaki clade). Conclusions Only due to the emerging clinical experience with endemic South American scrub typhus and the recent implementation of appropriate diagnostic techniques in Chile, were we able to firstly identify and adequately manage a severe case of imported scrub typhus in South America. Physicians attending febrile travelers need to be aware of this rickettsiosis, since it requires prompt treatment with doxycycline to avoid complications.Abstract Background Scrub typhus is a neglected vector-borne zoonosis causing life-threatening illnesses, endemic in the Asian-Pacific region and, as recently discovered, in southern Chile. Scrub typhus is rarely reported in travelers, most probably due to the lack of clinical experience and diagnostic tests in non-endemic countries. We report the first case of imported scrub typhus in South America. Case presentation A 62-year-old tourist from South Korea presented severely ill with fever, rash, and eschar in Santiago, Chile. Laboratory exams showed thrombocytopenia and elevated inflammation parameters, hepatic enzymes, and LDH. With the clinical suspicion of scrub typhus, empirical treatment with doxycycline was initiated and the patient recovered rapidly and without complications. The diagnosis was confirmed by IgM serology and by real-time PCR, which demonstrated infection with Orientia tsutsugamushi (Kawasaki clade). Conclusions Only due to the emerging clinical experience with endemic South American scrub typhus and the recent implementation of appropriate diagnostic techniques in Chile, were we able to firstly identify and adequately manage a severe case of imported scrub typhus in South America. Physicians attending febrile travelers need to be aware of this rickettsiosis, since it requires prompt treatment with doxycycline to avoid complications.