Scrub typhus in the northern provinces of Vietnam: an observational study of admissions to a national referral hospital

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2014 Nov;108(11):739-40. doi: 10.1093/trstmh/tru145. Epub 2014 Sep 23.

Abstract

Background: Scrub typhus is a common cause of fever in parts of South East and Southern Asia. Little is known about the disease burden in Vietnam.

Methods: A 2-year observational study of scrub typhus at a tertiary referral hospital in northern Vietnam was carried out. Diagnosis was based on a single serological test in patients with suggestive clinical symptoms.

Results: Scrub typhus was diagnosed in 3.5% (251/7226) of admissions. Cases occurred throughout the year, with incidence highest in the summer. Although complications were common, mortality was low (1.2%; 3/251).

Conclusions: These data suggest that scrub typhus is common, with a seasonal distribution in northern Vietnam.

Keywords: Orientia tsutsugamushi; Scrub typhus; South East Asia; Vietnam.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Agriculture
  • Asia / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Observational Studies as Topic
  • Orientia tsutsugamushi / isolation & purification*
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Scrub Typhus / diagnosis*
  • Scrub Typhus / epidemiology*
  • Seasons*
  • Vietnam / epidemiology
  • Young Adult