Scrub typhus in paediatric age group: A report from a tertiary care hospital

Background: Scrub typhus is a rickettsial disease endemic in many parts of India. It is a zoonosis spread by the bite of ticks and mites. Materials & Methods: The present retrospective study describes the clinical profile of eighteen pediatric scrub typhus cases who were hospitalized in a tertiary care hospital during the period of 21st January 2010 to 20th December 2010. In all the cases diagnosis was confirmed by Weil Felix test. Results: All children presented with fever. Eschar was present in 72% cases. 61% had abdominal pain and 44% had vomiting. Splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, lymphadenopathy, conjuctival congestion and cough were present in 88%, 72%, 61%, 34% and 28% respectively. Diarrhea and rash was present in 22% of children. Alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were elevated in 83%, 88% and 72% respectively. 34% had either hematuria or Proteinuria. 55% had thrombocytopenia. Hypoalbuminemia was detected in 72% cases. 88% had hepatic dysfunction, 22% had acute respiratory distress and 28% had hypotension. Chloramphenicol and doxycycline were the antibiotics used for treatment of the cases. All children responded well to antibiotics and there were no mortalities. Conclusion: Scrub typhus can lead to life threatening consequences in children if left undiagnosed and untreated. Therefore early detection of the disease and prompt treatment with the antibiotics can be life saving.

Keywords:

Scrub typhus; Rickettsial disease; Eschar,

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