ISSN : 2663-2187

Scrub typhus in Gujarat

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Dr.Anand prajapati, Dr.Harsh B Patel, Dr.Yatin B Prajapati
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.14.2024.6633-6638

Abstract

Background: Scrub typhus is a zoonotic disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, an obligate intracellular gram-negative bacterium. It is transmitted via the larval stage of trombiculid mites (chigger, a primary reservoir). It is prevalent across southern and eastern India including Rajasthan. Therefore present research was carried out with an objective to study the clinical profile and treatment outcome in scrub typhus patients in Gujarat. Method: In this study, total 100 patients with an acute febrile illness diagnosed as scrub typhus by positive IgM antibodies against O. tsutsugamushi were enrolled, over a period of two months (August to October 2023). All relevant data were recorded and analysed. Results: Among 100 cases, 52% patients reported from urban area and 48% patients from rural area. The mean age of patients was 43.75±16.82 years, ranged from 12-83 years with female predominance (male: female-1:1.37). Fever (100%), cough (40%) breathlessness (40%), altered sensorium (13%) and headache (11%) were the predominant clinical features. Eschar was seen in 33 patients. Renal (63%) and hepatic dysfunction (58%) was the commonest followed by respiratory dysfunction (49%). All patients (except pregnant patients) were treated with oral or inj.doxycycline. Seventeen patients needed mechanical ventilation and five patients required dialysis. Total 24 patients died during the study period.

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