Publication:

A study on demographic, clinical profile and outcome of scrub typhus

Background The objective of the present investigation was to study epidemiological profile, clinical manifestation, laboratory features, complication and out-come of scrub typhus.

Methods This is a retrospective study at a tertiary care hospital including patients diagnosed as scrub typhus by positive ELISA test.

Results Of the 99 cases which were positive for scrub typhus, 48.5% belonged to age group 18 - 30 years and female populations were more commonly affected 51%. Fever was the common presentation of all the cases followed by GI symptoms 95%. ARDS 11% and MODS 7% were the common complications. Impaired liver function with three fold increase in SGOT/SGPT was found in 41% of cases. Most of the cases belonged to Vellore district 51%. Mortality was observed in 6% of cases.

Conclusions The study shows wide variety of clinical manifestation and complications of scrub typhus, a well-known mite borne disease in South India especially in the North western districts of Tamil Nadu. The study highlights the clustering of cases during the months of September to January. Due to the varied presentation and high mortality due to complications, a high index of suspicion is required.