DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2016.v04i09.008

Pages: 3225-3228

Rickettsial infections were documented in many parts of India, out of which Scrub typhus is the most common. Diagnosis of Scrub typhus is still challenging in India due to lack of awareness and confirmatory diagnostic methods .This study is conducted to evaluate the serological evidence of scrub typhus infection in suburban areas of Chennai. 100 consecutive blood samples were collected from patients presenting with signs and symptoms of Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO).Serum was separated and Welix Felix test was done using OX2, OX19 and OXK antigens .The results were documented and analysed. Of the total study population 59% were males and 41%were females. The most common presenting symptom was fever (100%) followed by rash (64%).Escher was seen only in 23% of the cases. Out of 100 samples tested ,4 samples were positive for scrub typhus , of which 3 were under the age group of 15 yrs. All 4 cases had fever and rash.2 patients had eschar and 2 had lymphadenopathy. Our study clearly shows the existence of Scrub typhus disease in suburban areas of Chennai. Hence it is strongly recommended to include Scrub typhus in the differential diagnosis of patients with FUO and to include macrolides in empirical therapy for appropriate cases.