Pathology of toxic death in mice following intravenous injection of Rickettsia tsutsugamushi strain gilliam: examination by light and scanning electron microscopy.

The pathologic manifestations of the toxic death elicited by the iv injection of mice with Rickettsia tsutsugamushi strain Gilliam were examined by light and scanning electron microscopic techniques to ascertain the cause of death. Light microscopic examinations of hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of organs suggested the presence of fluid in the lungs; this was confirmed by an increase in the weight of the lungs of moribund mice. Scanning electron microscopy of blood cells demonstrated a marked crenation of erythrocytes from these mice. Death appears to be the result of shock brought on by vascular collapse secondary to plasma leakage.