Murine typhus

Abstract

Murine typhus is a rare condition caused by the gram-negative bacterium Rickettsia typhi which classically presents with the triad of fever, rash, and headache. Herein we report a rare presentation of murine typhus in an adult who presented predominantly with fever and gastrointestinal symptoms. Initial imaging showed cardiomegaly and hepatosplenomegaly, which led to further workup revealing rickettsial disease. Although this illness is considered a rare diagnosis in the emergency department, every person with a pet that might have fleas is susceptible to it.

Keywords:

• Cardiomegaly
• hepatosplenomegaly
• murine typhus
• Rickettsia typhi