Abstract |
Scrub typhus is a vector-borne disease caused by the pathogen Orientia tsutsugamushi. We review the published literature for evidence on drug treatment in scrub typhus. Doxycycline has a proven efficacy in several trials and a meta-analysis, although resistance has been documented in parts of northern Thailand. Macrolides are equally efficacious and have less adverse effects, but they are expensive. Azithromycin is the recommended drug in pregnancy and for children. Rifampicin is effective in areas where doxycycline resistance is present. Quinolones have shown some degree of efficacy but the evidence is scant. Most clinical evidence on drug treatment is from cases of mild-to-moderate scrub typhus. Further study is needed on the efficacy of different antibiotics in the treatment of severe, life-threatening scrub typhus.
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Authors | Senaka Rajapakse, Chaturaka Rodrigo, Sumadhya Deepika Fernando |
Journal | Tropical doctor
(Trop Doct)
Vol. 41
Issue 1
Pg. 1-4
(Jan 2011)
ISSN: 1758-1133 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 21172901
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
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Chemical References |
- Anti-Bacterial Agents
- Macrolides
- Azithromycin
- Doxycycline
- Rifampin
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Topics |
- Anti-Bacterial Agents
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Azithromycin
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Child
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Doxycycline
(therapeutic use)
- Female
- Humans
- Macrolides
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Orientia tsutsugamushi
(drug effects)
- Pregnancy
- Rifampin
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Scrub Typhus
(drug therapy, microbiology)
- Treatment Outcome
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