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Clinical Profile of Scrub Typhus Meningoencephalitis among South Indian Children

Narayanasamy Dinesh Kumar1, Thirunavukkarasu Arun Babu1, Vijayasankar Vijayadevagaran1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, 255, Vazhudavoor Road, Kathirkamam, Puducherry 605009, India.

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
|December 23, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Scrub typhus meningoencephalitis (STME) affects children in tropical areas, presenting with fever and neurological symptoms. Early diagnosis through lumbar puncture is crucial for treatment and to exclude other serious infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Scrub typhus is an emerging cause of pediatric meningoencephalitis in tropical regions.
  • Understanding the clinical presentation of scrub typhus meningoencephalitis (STME) in children is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical profile of STME in children under 12 years old.
  • To highlight key diagnostic features and considerations for STME.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 270 serology-confirmed scrub typhus cases.
  • Identification of 14 cases (5%) with clinical features of STME.
  • Analysis of clinical presentation, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings, and demographic data.

Main Results:

  • Most STME cases (64%) were in children aged 5-12 years.
  • Fever, headache, and altered sensorium were universal; meningeal signs, papilledema, and seizures were common.
  • CSF analysis showed elevated protein and cell counts, predominantly lymphocytes.

Conclusions:

  • STME should be suspected in febrile children with neurological symptoms in endemic areas.
  • Lumbar puncture is essential for confirming STME and differentiating it from other forms of meningitis.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical for managing pediatric scrub typhus meningoencephalitis.

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