A CASE SERIES ON SCRUB TYPHUS

Abstract

Scrub typhus is a rickettsial disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. It is transmitted to humans via infected chiggers (larva of trombiculid mite). Eschar is a characteristic feature for the diagnosis of scrub typhus and other mite or tick-borne rickettsiosis. Immunofluorescence Antibody (IFA) test is the gold standard for the diagnosis, and doxycycline is the drug of choice for treatment of scrub typhus. We present a case series of scrub typhus in three patients from South India. All three patients presented with high grade fever and IgM scrub typhus was positive status in all cases. Doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 7 days along with supportive care was effective in all the cases. Serum creatinine levels dropped to normal and renal status of all patients improved well with antimicrobial treatment. Early diagnosis of the infection is necessary as the disease as it can have multiple system involvement and serious complications.