Pleural effusion caused by Rickettsia felis infection

Hong Ren; Yingying Zhang; Xue Zhang; Hanwen Zhang; Li Chang; Lingyun Gao; Lin Li; Gaoyang Zhang

doi:10.3855/jidc.21761

Pleural effusion caused by Rickettsia felis infection

Authors

Hong Ren Respiratory Ward 2, Harbin Chest Hospital, Heilongjiang, China
Yingying Zhang Respiratory Ward 2, Harbin Chest Hospital, Heilongjiang, China
Xue Zhang Respiratory Ward 2, Harbin Chest Hospital, Heilongjiang, China
Hanwen Zhang Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Department, Harbin Chest Hospital, Heilongjiang, China
Li Chang Tumor Ward 1, Harbin Chest Hospital, Heilongjiang, China
Lingyun Gao Respiratory Ward 2, Harbin Chest Hospital, Heilongjiang, China
Lin Li Respiratory Ward 2, Harbin Chest Hospital, Heilongjiang, China
Gaoyang Zhang Respiratory Ward 2, Harbin Chest Hospital, Heilongjiang, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.21761

Keywords:

Rickettsia felis, PE, tNGS, case report

Abstract

Introduction: Rickettsia felis, a Gram-negative obligate intracellular prokaryotic organism, causes human infections with atypical clinical presentations, commonly including fever, fatigue, headache, and maculopapular rash.

Case presentation: This study presents a rare case of pleural effusion (PE) associated with R. felis infection, confirmed through targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS). The patient showed significant clinical improvement and resolution of PE following empirical moxifloxacin followed by pathogen-directed therapy with rifampicin and azithromycin, along with supportive measures for circulation and immune function.

Conclusions: This case report aims to enhance early diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for R. felis infections by sharing the diagnostic and management experience.

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Published

2026-08-31

How to Cite

Ren H, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Zhang H, Chang L, Gao L, Li L, Zhang G (2026) Pleural effusion caused by Rickettsia felis infection. J Infect Dev Ctries 20:1256–1259. doi: 10.3855/jidc.21761

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Issue

Vol. 20 No. 08: August 2026

Section

Case Reports

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