Endemic Scrub Typhus-like Illness, Chile

Abstract

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.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2011
Accession Number
ADA552035

Entities

People

  • Allen L Richards
  • Daryl J. Kelly
  • David Oddo
  • Helena Poggi
  • Ju Jiang
  • Katia Abarca
  • M. E. Balcells
  • Marcela Concha
  • Patricia Garcia
  • Paul A. Fuerst
  • Ricardo Rabagliati

Organizations

  • Naval Medical Research Center

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Bacteria
  • Bacterial Infections
  • Blood
  • Cells
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Health Services
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Personnel
  • Microorganisms
  • Mites
  • Scrub Typhus
  • Subcutaneous Tissue
  • Typhus

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Infectious Disease/Epidemiology
  • Military Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Molecular Genetics