A review of investigations of mite typhus in Burma and Malaya, 1945–1950

Abstract

Records show only the mites Trombicula deliensis and T. akamushi as dangerous vectors as far as man is concerned. Rattus rattus and its subspp. are by far the most important of the vector hosts. R. exulans, Bandicota bengalensis (in Burma), and small birds such as quail may also serve as vector hosts. Giant rats (Rattus sabanus, R mulleri) are the original natural hosts of the vector mites, but they are confined mainly to the forests of Malaya. Ecological studies of the rats gave evidence that the wild forms carried Rickettsia-infested mites capable of causing a low-grade type of tsutsugamushi fever endemic in forested areas, but also that the transfer of the mites to R. rattus[long dash]the common rat around human habitations[long dash]has caused the disease to break out in almost epidemic form in the thickly settled areas. Outbreaks are most apt to occur during the rainy season when the rats seek shelter in and around buildings.