Association of scrub typhus with the risk of venous thromboembolism and long-term mortality: a population-based cohort study

Background The existing literature lacks studies examining the epidemiological link between scrub typhus and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), and the long-term outcomes. The objective of this study is to explore the potential association between scrub typhus and the subsequent risk of venous thromboembolism, and long-term mortality. Method This nationwide cohort study identified 10,121 patients who were newly diagnosed with scrub typhus. Patients with a prior DVT or PE diagnosis before the scrub typhus infection were excluded. A comparison cohort of 101,210 patients was established from the general population using a propensity score matching technique. The cumulative survival HRs for the two cohorts were calculated by the Cox proportional hazards model. Result After adjusting for sex, age, and comorbidities, the scrub typhus group had an adjusted HR (95% CI) of 1.02 (0.80–1.30) for DVT, 1.11 (0.63–1.93) for PE, and 1.16 (1.08–1.25) for mortality compared to the control group. The post hoc subgroup analysis revealed that individuals younger than 55 years with a prior scrub typhus infection had a significantly higher risk of DVT (HR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.12–2.25) and long-term mortality (HR: 1.75; 95% CI, 1.54–1.99). Conclusion The scrub typhus patients showed a 16% higher risk of long-term mortality. For those in scrub typhus cohort below 55 years of age, the risk of developing DVT was 1.59 times higher, and the risk of mortality was 1.75 times higher. Age acted as an effect modifier influencing the relationship between scrub typhus and risk of new-onset DVT and death.