Outbreak of scrub typhus in central India

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, outbreaks have been reported in the Sub-Himalayan belt as well as in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab and southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. Many cases were referred by clinicians for the laboratory diagnosis of scrub typhus in a shorter duration to Microbiology department. Objective: To investigate the outbreak of scrub typhus in Yavatmal. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2018 to February 2019 in Department of Microbiology, Shri Vasantrao Naik Government Medical College, Yavatmal. 275 samples were collected from the suspected cases of scrub typhus. The samples of suspected cases who were negative for malaria, typhoid and dengue sent by clinicians for the diagnosis of scrub typhus to Microbiology department. The study was approved by Institutional Ethics Committee. The Immunochromatographic test (ICT) for scrub typhus-SD Biosensor Tsutsugamushi, One step scrub typhus antibody test was used. Data was analyzed by statistical software EpiInfoTM Version 7. Results: Out of 275, 75(27.3%) were positive by Immunochromatographic test (ICT) to diagnose scrub typhus and 200(72.7%) were negative. Maximum number of positive patients, 59(32.8%) were in the month of September 2018. Maximum number of positive patients, 28(21.9%) were from the age group of 21-40 years. Females 54(32.3%) and from rural area 66(28.2%) were more affected by scrub typhus. Out of 75 positive patients, eschar was found in the 4 patients (5.3%). Conclusion: To conclude, there was outbreak of scrub typhus in Yavatmal district as compared to the figures of last three years. Keywords: Outbreak, Scrub typhus, Immunochromatographic test (ICT).