Scrub typhus Challenges and Bartonella Breakthroughs: Clinical Insights from Malaysian Hospitals

Scrub typhus and Bartonella infections remain significant yet under-recognized contributors to febrile illnesses and systemic inflammatory conditions in Malaysia. Despite advancements in clinical medicine and diagnostics, these infections often present with nonspecific symptoms, mimicking other tropical diseases and leading to diagnostic delays and treatment challenges. This symposium brings together clinical specialists from across the country to illuminate the evolving landscape of these two pathogens through case series, multicenter studies, and recent diagnostic developments.

Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, continues to be a major public health concern in endemic areas. The disease can progress from a mild febrile illness to a life-threatening condition involving multi-organ dysfunction. Meanwhile, Bartonella henselae, traditionally associated with cat-scratch disease, is emerging as a stealth pathogen responsible for severe manifestations such as infective endocarditis and necrotizing granulomatous inflammation—often overlooked in standard diagnostics.

This symposium aims to share clinical experiences, highlight diagnostic innovations, and discuss treatment strategies that have improved patient outcomes in real-world hospital settings across Malaysia. By bringing these case-based insights into focus, we hope to strengthen the clinical community’s preparedness in managing these elusive infections.