Isolation of Rickettsia Tsutsugamushi from Rodents from Thailand

SummaryThe isolation of Rickettsia tsutsugamushi from tissues of Thai rodents is reported. Rattus rattus thai is shown to harbor the organism and definite evidence is presented that Bandicota species are infected. Data are presented showing that the isolated strains meet the criteria for Rickettsia tsutsugamushi, as noted from pathological findings, microscopic studies of smears, cross immunity experiments and serology. These constitute the first recorded isolations of the etiologic agent of scrub typhus from Thailand.