Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link Skip directly to A-Z link Skip directly to A-Z link

Disclaimer: Early release articles are not considered as final versions. Any changes will be reflected in the online version in the month the article is officially released.

Volume 31, Number 11—November 2025

Research Letter

Orientia tsutsugamushi Antibodies in Patients with Eschars and Suspected Tickborne Disease

Haley A. Abernathy1, Lauryn Ursery1, Brooke A. Merdjane, Dana A. Giandomenico, and Ross M. BoyceComments to Author 
Author affiliation: Author affiliation: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA

Main Article

Table 2

Demographic, clinical, and laboratory test results of persons with antibodies against Orientia tsutsugamushi in study of O. tsutsugamushi among patients with eschars and suspected tickborne disease, North Carolina, USA, 2020–2022*

Person no. Age, y/sex IFA result ELISA result Tick bite Fever Headache Myalgia Rash SFGR classification Ehrlichia classification
1 42/M IgG+ IgG+ Yes X X Probable Probable
2 48/M IgG+ IgG+ Yes X X X NAC Unknown
3 66/M IgG+ IgG+ Yes X X X NAC Probable
4 55/F IgG+ IgG+ Unknown X X NAC NAC
5 76/F Negative IgG+ Yes Probable Probable
6 64/M Negative IgG+ Yes X X Probable NAC
7 43/F Negative IgG+ Unknown NAC Unknown
8 60/F Unknown IgM+ Yes X NAC Probable
9 44/M Negative IgM+ Unknown Probable Unknown
10 78/F Unknown IgM+ No X Unknown NAC
11 72/F Unknown IgM+ Yes X X Probable Probable

*IFA, immunofluorescence antibody; NAC, not a case (i.e., did not meet Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists criteria); SFGR, spotted fever group Rickettsia; Unk, unknown or not reported; X, sign or symptom present in patient.

Main Article

1These first authors contributed equally to this article.

Page created: September 30, 2025
Page updated: December 04, 2025
Page reviewed: December 04, 2025
The conclusions, findings, and opinions expressed by authors contributing to this journal do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the authors' affiliated institutions. Use of trade names is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by any of the groups named above.
file_external