A Study of Clinical presentation, Laboratory findings and Outcome among patients of Scrub typhus in General Hospital Thiruvananthapuram

Abstract

Objectives: To study the clinical presentation, laboratory findings and outcome in scrub typhus patients.

Methods: We did a hospital based observational study in patients with acute febrile illness diagnosed as scrub typhus. Diagnosis was made by ELISA based IgM serology.

Observations and Results: A total of 80 patients were studied, males (57.5%) more than females (42.5%). Clustering of cases noted in December, January and February. Commonest symptom was fever followed by headache, myalgia and cough. Important laboratory findings were elevated liver enzymes, thrombocytopenia. Complications were rare which included ARDS, MODS, and AKI.

Conclusion: Scrub typhus is prevalent in Thiruvananthapuram District. It should be thought of as differential diagnosis in acute febrile illness. Early diagnosis and treatment with appropriate antibiotic prevents morbidity and mortality.