Case Report: Severe sepsis due to imported scrub typhus in a German traveler returning from Vietnam - Takeaways - MDSpire

Case Report: Severe sepsis due to imported scrub typhus in a German traveler returning from Vietnam

  • By

  • Luis Hinterwaldner

  • C. Corredor Obregon

  • Sabine Zange

  • Eva Ortner

  • Fabian Kleinhenz

  • Laura Wagner

  • C. D. Spinner

  • Ulrich Mayr

  • Tobias Lahmer

  • Jochen Schneider

  • Johanna Erber

  • May 7, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is a significant cause of febrile illness in travelers returning from endemic regions.

  • 2

    A 39-year-old female developed severe sepsis after traveling to Vietnam, presenting with high fever, headache, and hepatic dysfunction.

  • 3

    Laboratory tests revealed hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and elevated liver enzymes, indicating severe illness and potential ARDS.

  • 4

    Diagnosis was confirmed via PCR testing for O. tsutsugamushi, highlighting the need for prompt diagnostic evaluation in suspected cases.

  • 5

    The patient improved with doxycycline treatment, emphasizing the importance of recognizing scrub typhus in returning travelers.

Original Source(s)

Case Report: Severe sepsis due to imported scrub typhus in a German traveler returning from Vietnam

  • by Luis Hinterwaldner, C. Corredor Obregon, Sabine Zange, Eva Ortner, Fabian Kleinhenz, Laura Wagner, C. D. Spinner, Ulrich Mayr, Tobias Lahmer, Jochen Schneider, Johanna Erber

  • May 7, 2026

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