Scrub typhus: Is an acute febrile

Scrub Typhus is an acute febrile illness which is caused by an obligate intracellular pathogen called Orientia tsutsugamushi, which is transmitted by the bite of infected larval stage trombiculid mite, Leptotrombidium spp. (Chiggers). The name scrub typhus was applied after discovery of increased frequency of the disease in scrub or wasteland areas. Etiology of Scrub Typhus Orientia tsutsugamushi is the causative agent of Scrub Typhus . It has following characteristics: They are obligate ... RICKETTSIAL DISEASES These are the diseases caused by rickettsiae which are small, gram negative bacilli adapted to obligate intracellular parasitism, and transmitted by arthropod vectors. These organisms are primarily parasites of arthropods such as lice, fleas, ticks and mites, in which they are found in the alimentary canal. In vertebrates, including humans, they infect the vascular endothelium and reticuloendothelial cells. Commonly known rickettsial disease is Scrub Typhus . Scrub typhus , an acute febrile illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is an underdiagnosed but re-emerging vector-borne zoonosis in India. The disease is endemic in several Indian states and is characterised by non-specific symptoms, often leading to diagnostic delays and high mortality in untreated cases. This comprehensive article delves into its pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, epidemiological trends, diagnostic challenges, and current treatment strategies. Scrub typhus cases are rising in northern Tamil Nadu, including Chennai. Spread by chigger bites, the bacterial infection causes fever, headache, body aches, and rash. Early antibiotic treatment is crucial to avoid complications like pneumonia. Doctors caution that if left untreated, the fever can ...