Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Scrub typhus, a rickettsial disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, presents with diverse clinical manifestations, with eschar formation being a key diagnostic feature.Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed 81 confirmed cases at Jeonbuk National University Hospital between January 2018 and December 2020 to systematically categorize eschar morphology and distribution.Results: Eschars were classified into five types based on their morphology: erythematous macules (2.5%), vesicular (4.9%), erosive/ulcerative (13.6%), crusted (74.1%), and sclerotic (4.9%).The most common site was the anterior body (44.4%) followed by the inguinal area (18.5%).Notably, 25.9% of cases exhibited atypical eschars lacking classical black crust, complicating the diagnosis.Eschar type distribution differed significantly between covered and exposed body areas (P = 0.038), probably due to physiological differences in skin regions or the timing of eschar detection.Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for comprehensive skin examinations and increased awareness of atypical eschars to enhance the diagnostic accuracy and improve the clinical outcomes of scrub typhus.
Authors: Chang-Seop Lee, Seonglyeong Kim, Hwanseung You, Jeongeun Song, Seung Hee Choi, Tae-Jong Kang, Hyohyun Yoo, Jin Park
Language: English
Subfield: Parasitology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $690
Awards: G1168496808, G5675150955
OpenAlex ID: W4413208448