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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Whole-cell MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry is an Accurate and Rapid Method to Analyze Different Modes of Macrophage Activation
Published on: December 26, 2013
Scrub typhus associated macrophage activation syndrome
Gopinath Kango Gopal1, Chrispal Anugrah, Harikishan Boorugu
1Department of Medicine - 3, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India. gops95@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a rare phenomenon that occurs either primarily or secondary to a multitude of conditions, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis most commonly, and other infections like enteric fever and tuberculosis. It has been reported as an extremely rare complication of scrub typhus with no cases presented from India. We report three cases of scrub typhus presenting with confirmed MAS between January 2007 and December 2007 to a tertiary care hospital in South India. All three patients had clinical and laboratory evidence for scrub typhus and MAS. All the patients responded promptly to antibiotics and made an uneventful recovery. These three patients are presented to highlight the importance of considering scrub typhus in patients with MAS following acute febrile illnesses.
Insights
Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is rarely seen with scrub typhus. This report details three Indian cases of scrub typhus presenting with MAS, emphasizing early diagnosis and treatment for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a severe, life-threatening hyperinflammation.
- MAS can be primary or secondary to infections, autoimmune diseases, and malignancies.
- Scrub typhus, a bacterial infection, is an uncommon cause of MAS, with no prior reported cases from India.
