Does scrub typhus affect pregnancy?

Question

Hello doctor,

My sister is 6 months pregnant and recently traveled to a rural area. She returned with a fever, headache, and body aches, and now there is a black scab on her ankle. The doctor suspects scrub typhus and started her on antibiotics, but I am worried about her baby. Can this infection harm the baby? Is the treatment safe during pregnancy?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, can pose risks during pregnancy, both for the mother and the baby. Potential complications include preterm birth, low birth weight, fetal distress, and in severe cases, miscarriage or stillbirth. However, early treatment significantly reduces these risks.

The most commonly used antibiotic for scrub typhus is Doxycycline, which is generally avoided in pregnancy due to potential effects on fetal bone and teeth development. Instead, Azithromycin is considered the safest option during pregnancy. Chloramphenicol is sometimes used, but only in specific situations.

Your sister should closely follow up with her doctor to monitor both her health and the baby’s well-being. It is reassuring that she has started treatment early, which greatly improves outcomes. Make sure she stays hydrated, rests, and follows up with prenatal checkups.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.