SHIMAMUSHI DISEASE Meaning and
Definition
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Shimamushi disease, also known as tsutsugamushi disease, is a bacterial infection caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, a type of bacterium belonging to the Rickettsiaceae family. This disease is primarily found in the Eastern and Southeastern regions of Asia, particularly in rural areas with dense vegetation and humid climates. The name "shimamushi" originates from Japanese, where "shima" stands for "island" and "mushi" means "insect."
This infectious disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected larval trombiculid mites, commonly known as chiggers or "akamushi" in Japan. These mites serve as the vectors, or carriers, of the bacteria. When they attach to the host's skin and feed, they can transmit the bacterium into the bloodstream, leading to an infection.
The symptoms of shimamushi disease typically appear within 10 to 14 days after the bite of an infected mite. Common signs include fever, headache, muscle pain, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases, the infection can progress to involve multiple organs, causing complications such as pneumonia, liver inflammation, encephalitis, and kidney failure.
The disease can be diagnosed by laboratory tests such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antibody testing. Antibiotic treatment with drugs like doxycycline or azithromycin is usually effective in treating shimamushi disease.
Prevention of shimamushi disease mainly involves avoiding exposure to the vector mites. This can be achieved by wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and avoiding areas with heavy vegetation. Early detection and prompt treatment are vital to prevent complications and ensure a full recovery from the infection.
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Island disease, Japanese river fever.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SHIMAMUSHI DISEASE
- ahimamushi disease
- zhimamushi disease
- xhimamushi disease
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- whimamushi disease
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- shikamushi disease
Etymology of SHIMAMUSHI DISEASE
The term "shimamushi disease" is derived from Japanese. The word "shimamushi" (島虫) in Japanese means "island bug". The term was used to describe a tropical disease caused by a blood-sucking parasite called Leptotrombidium deliense, more commonly known as the chigger mite. The disease, characterized by fever and skin lesions, was first identified in Japan during World War II among soldiers stationed on the Pacific Islands. Hence, "shimamushi disease" refers to the disease caused by these mites.
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