Case of Rickettsia typhi-induced Brain Abscess Mimicking Brain Tumor.

Case of Rickettsia typhi-induced Brain Abscess Mimicking Brain Tumor.

Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2018 Jun;9(3):122-125

Authors: Jang Y, Moon J, Jun JS, Kim TJ, Park KI, Lee ST, Jung KH, Lee SK, Chu K

Abstract
Murine typhus is one of the most prevalent rickettsial infections in the world, caused by the bacterial genus Rickettsia. Though the disease manifests a relatively benign clinical course with fever, rash, and headache being the 3 classic symptoms, neurological complications may arise in patients that could become permanent. In this case study, a patient with a brain abscess caused by R typhi infection is described. Based upon the recent reemergence of arthropod-borne disease, the findings in this case are significant; R typhi can cause a brain abscess that mimics a brain tumor, which delays the diagnosis and appropriate management of the disease. Murine typhus should always be considered when performing the differential diagnosis of brain abscesses in South Korea.

PMID: 30023157 [PubMed]