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Published on: December 2, 2012

First case of scrub typhus with meningoencephalitis from Kerala: An emerging infectious threat

K Saifudheen1, K G Sajeeth Kumar, James Jose

  • 1Department of Neurology, Medical College, Calicut, Kerala, India.

Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology
|May 9, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Scrub typhus meningoencephalitis, a brain infection caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is uncommon in Kerala, India. This report details two cases, highlighting diagnostic methods and patient outcomes in the region.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Rickettsial Infections

Background:

  • Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is endemic in the Asia-Pacific region and reported across 11 Indian states.
  • Meningoencephalitis, a severe complication of scrub typhus, is underreported in Kerala, India.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing scrub typhus meningoencephalitis.

Observation:

  • Two cases of scrub typhus meningoencephalitis were observed in northern Kerala.
  • Clinical presentation included characteristic eschar and positive Weil-Felix test results (> 1:320).
  • One patient experienced fatal respiratory failure, while the other showed significant improvement.

Findings:

  • Confirms the occurrence of scrub typhus meningoencephalitis in northern Kerala.
  • Demonstrates the utility of clinical signs and Weil-Felix testing in diagnosis.
  • Highlights the variable and potentially severe outcomes of the disease.

Implications:

  • Suggests a need for increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance for scrub typhus meningoencephalitis in Kerala.
  • Underscores the importance of prompt treatment to improve patient prognosis.
  • Contributes to the understanding of scrub typhus epidemiology and clinical spectrum in India.
Keywords:
Meningoencephalitisrickettsiascrub typhus

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