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Pathogens
Article . 2026 . Peer-reviewed
License: CC BY
Data sources: Crossref
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Meningoencephalitis in Flea-Borne Typhus: A Report of Two Cases and a Review of CNS Complications

Authors: Camille E. Spears; Divya Chandramohan; Melinda B. Tanabe; Nicholas C. Anstead; Emily L. M. Turkily; Lucas S. Blanton; Thelma Akien; +3 Authors

Meningoencephalitis in Flea-Borne Typhus: A Report of Two Cases and a Review of CNS Complications

Abstract

Typhus (FBT), caused by Rickettsia typhi, rarely causes neurological disease. Herein, we describe neurological involvement in two cases of FBT. In the first case, an adult presented with persistent fever which deteriorated into status epilepticus. He was successfully treated with doxycycline and made a complete recovery. In the second case, a patient suffered an ischemic stroke and had a protracted clinical course but ultimately made a near complete recovery. In addition to these cases, we conducted a comprehensive narrative review of 43 cases of neurologic involvement in FBT reported from 1989 to 2025. Cases were excluded if there were pathologic discrepancies with typical cases of FBT. Presentations ranged from cranial nerve palsies to meningitis and fulminant encephalitis. This review highlights the spectrum of CNS complications associated with FBT and underscores the importance of early recognition and treatment with doxycycline to improve outcomes. Given the potential severity of neurologic involvement, clinicians in endemic areas should maintain a high index of suspicion for FBT in patients presenting with a febrile illness and neurologic symptoms.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
gold