Scrub Typhus

-

Scrub Typhus

The disease is caused by a very small parasite of Rickettsia group called Orientiasis tsutsugamushi. It is spread by the bite of a mite (chiggers) technically called trombiculid mite of genus Leptotrombidia. The mite remains in small bushes. A mite can transmit the disease causing organism to its offsprings by transovarian route.
The bite occurs during visit to infected areas (mite islands). In India this may occur during the clearing of fields for agriculture, or during a visit to these areas where toilets are not available. It can also infect soldiers training or staying in bushy jungle areas.

Signs and Symptoms:

The incubation period is usually 7 to 10 days. The illness starts with fever and chills, muscle pains, decreased appetite, vomiting, sometimes diarrhoea, cough and tiredness. Untreated with antibiotics it may last for about 3 weeks before recovery.

Clinical Signs:

On clinical examination, at the site of bite, a small dark (few mms to 1 cm) area may be present. This is difficult to separate from the skin and usually surronded by reddish area. This is known as “ESCHAR”.
If present it helps in diagnosis. Lymphnodes and spleen may enlarge. A rash may be present. Pulse rate is lower than expected for the degree of fever.
Lab Investigations:
Platelets are low. WBC no may be normal usually or sometimes high or low. Liver enzymes and creatinine are raised. Diagnosis is made by antibody levels (IgG and IgM against typhus group).

Treatment :

Chloramphenicol, Doxycycline and Azithromycin have been used. These need to be taken for 5 days or more. Response of fever begins in 2 days and this may aid in diagnosis as well. The disease can be prevented by anti mite measures (personal protection against bites) and DEET etc.

Scrub Typhus

FREE ONLINE 2nd Medical Advice / Opinion


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Urinary Tract Infections : Women

-
Image
U TI in short, is a common illness in a woman, especially during the reproductive period. The incidence in western countries is .5/woman /year. It is commoner in women compared to men due to their shorter urethra (Tube from the lower end of the bladder to opening for urine). Bacteria from large intestines contaminate the skin around the anus, migrate to the vaginal opening and may ascend through the urethra to the bladder and sometimes via ureter to the kidneys. Infections of the bladder are called cystitis, infections of urethra urethritis and that of kidneys pyelonephritis. Symptoms of UTI In cases of urethritis, pain while passing urine (dysuria), more frequency, pus discharge from urine opening may occur. In cases of cystitis, dysuria, frequency, urgency (inability to hold urine), lower abdominal pain or discomfort and sometimes blood in urine may occur. In pyelonephritis, the symptoms usually are fever (temp above 38 °  C ), flank pain or discomfort, tenderne
Read more

Fats in the Diet

-
Image
Each gram of fat provides 9 kcal of energy. Fats are essential for the human body as these make up the important part of all tissues and cells. The cell membrane is rich in lipids and brain is full of fat. In combination with proteins and phosphates, fats (lipids) for many important molecules. Linoleic and a-linolenic acids are essential fatty acids. Trans fats are usually of animal origin or provided by hydrogenation of oils. These are harmful for the body. Poly-unsaturated fats and Mono-unsaturated fats are associated with less risk to heart and brain compared to saturated fats. Fats of animal origin are more harmful compared to fats from vegetable sources. In terms of health benefits, olive oil, soya oil, sunflower and safflower oils rank high. In the body, lipids are measured in blood by the test of lipid profile (best done after 8-10 hrs of fasting). It measures S cholesterol (HDL or high density, LDL or low density and VLDL and IDL very low and intermediate respec
Read more

Our Kidneys

-
Image
Our Kidneys Common Questions Are both my kidneys affected ? Ans:  Most diseases involve both kidney diseases simultaneously. Exceptions are obstructions in one kidney or ureter, the tumor of one kidney, injury to one kidney or ureter, infections confined to one kidney etc. However, some people may be born with only one kidney! Have both my kidneys failed ? Ans:      If the urea and creatinine are high, it means both kidneys are functioning less. If one kidney function is normal, urea and creatinine are usually not elevated. Will the kidney function recover with dialysis ? Ans:     Dialysis does not improve kidney function. It is a substitute for some of the kidney functions. In acute kidney injuries, dialysis may buy time and allow the kidneys to start functioning again. In Chronic kidney disease, unless there are some reversible elements, the kidney function will not only not recover but the residual function will also decrease with time. Do kidney donors lead a
Read more