Case Report: Cardiovascular Manifestations due to Flea-Borne Typhus

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2023 Dec 4;110(1):150-154. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0794. Print 2024 Jan 3.

Abstract

Flea-borne typhus is a vector-borne disease caused by Rickettsia typhi that occurs worldwide, except in Antarctica. In the United States, most cases are restricted to California, Hawaii, and Texas. The syndrome is characterized by nonspecific signs and symptoms: fever, headache, rash, arthralgia, cough, hepatosplenomegaly, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Although flea-borne typhus can cause pulmonary, neurological, and renal complications, the cardiovascular system is rarely affected. We present a case of endocarditis resulting from flea-borne typhus diagnosed by blood microbial cell-free DNA testing that required valve replacement and antibiotic therapy for 6 months. In addition, we review 20 cases of presumed and confirmed cardiovascular manifestations resulting from flea-borne typhus in the literature.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Rickettsia typhi
  • Siphonaptera* / microbiology
  • Typhus, Endemic Flea-Borne* / diagnosis
  • Typhus, Epidemic Louse-Borne* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents