Diagnosis of Murine Typhus by Serology in Peninsular Malaysia: A Case Report Where Rickettsial Illnesses, Leptospirosis and Dengue Co-Circulate
Yuhana Y., Tanganuchitcharnchai A., Sujariyakul P., Sonthayanon P., Chotivanich K., Paris D., Pukrittayakamee S., Blacksell S., Hanboonkunupakarn B.
<jats:p>Murine typhus is a rarely diagnosed cause of acute febrile illness in Malaysia, and its true disease burden is unknown. We report a case of an acute murine typhus infection in a patient living in a small city in Peninsular Malaysia, presenting with fever, rash, and headache. Unresponsive to the initial empirical treatment for leptospirosis, he showed a rapid response to doxycycline when murine typhus was diagnosed later. This case highlights the importance of considering murine typhus as a diagnostic in cases of acute febrile illness in urban and sub-urban areas, such as that of in Peninsular Malaysia.</jats:p>