Scrub typhus among particularly vulnerable tribal groups of Odisha, India

This epidemiological study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of scrub typhus infection among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in an Indian state to make more effective management and control strategies. We conducted a tribal community-based cross-sectional survey from June 2022 to May 2023 in 9 PVTG-dominated districts in Odisha, India. A total of 1485 sera samples were collected, both immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against scrub typhus were tested using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified the scrub typhus-associated risk factors. Out of 1485 participants, the weighted prevalence of IgG was 48.95 % and that of IgM was 18.19 %. Participants were associated with risk factors like: sitting on muddy floors (aOR: 2.00), use of non-concrete materials (aOR: 1.35) in roofing, being involved in agricultural practices (aOR: 1.32), forest collection (aOR: 1.53), childcare (aOR: 1.63) and living in a bigger household (HH) (aOR: 1.27). This is the first study to estimate scrub typhus seroprevalence among PVTG community members in this geographical region. The study highlights the determinants of the disease in PVTGs and recommends refined policies and awareness programs for enriched health quality among these underprivileged PVTG communities.