Clinical Profile of Rickettsial Infections: A Case Study from Central Kerala
Journal Title: International Journal of Medical Science and Innovative Research (IJMSIR) - Year 2018, Vol 3, Issue 2
Abstract
Introduction: Rickettsial infections are reemerging in different parts of our state. Cases reported from mid Kerala are very few. The aim of the present study is to review the demographic patterns, clinical manifestations, treatment outcomes and complications of Rickettsial infections presented to a tertiary care Centre in central Kerala. Materials and methods: A Retrospective analysis was done among patients diagnosed with Rickettsial infection for a period of one year in a tertiary care center from mid Kerala. Diagnosis of Rickettsial infection was made on basis of positive Weil Felix test with titre more than 1:160 and positive clinical response to Doxycycline. We analyzed the demographic profile, clinical features, response to treatment and complications of the infection. Results: Sixteen patients were diagnosed to have Rickettsial infection based on positive Weil Felix test out of which 87.5% were from rural area and12.5% were from suburban area. A post monsoon surge of infection was noted. Predominant symptom noted was fever associated with myalgia, arthralgia and abdominal symptoms. Typical eschar of scrub typhus was seen only in one patient. Hepatitis and acute kidney injury were the predominant complications noted. Conclusion: Because of the wide variation in its clinical presentation all cases of acute febrile illness not responding to treatment or presenting with thrombocytopenia, renal failure and hepatitis should be investigated for the possibility of rickettsial infection. An empirical therapy with doxycycline can be given in cases of high index of suspicion.
Authors and Affiliations
Dr Athulya G Asokan
Keywords
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