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Jain HK, Das A, Dixit S, Kaur H, Pati S, Ranjit M, Dutta A, Bal M. Development and implementation of a strategy for early diagnosis and management of scrub typhus: an emerging public health threat. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1347183. [PMID: 38660358 PMCID: PMC11039949 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1347183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is a re-emerging zoonotic disease in the tropics with considerable morbidity and mortality rates. This disease, which is mostly prevalent in rural areas, remains underdiagnosed and underreported because of the low index of suspicion and non-specific clinical presentation. Limited access to healthcare, diagnostics, and treatment in rural settings further makes it challenging to distinguish it from other febrile illnesses. While easily treatable, improper treatment leads to severe forms of the disease and even death. As there is no existing public health program to address scrub typhus in India, there is an urgent need to design a program and test its effectiveness for control and management of the disease. With this backdrop, this implementation research protocol has been developed for a trial in few of the endemic "pockets" of Odisha, an eastern Indian state that can be scalable to other endemic areas of the country, if found effective. The main goal of the proposed project is to include scrub typhus as a differential diagnosis of fever cases in every tier of the public health system, starting from the community level to the health system, for the early diagnosis among suspected cases and to ensure that individuals receive complete treatment. The current study aimed to describe the protocol of the proposed Scrub Typhus Control Program (STCP) in detail so that it can receive valuable views from peers which can further strengthen the attempt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitesh Kumar Jain
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Indian Council of Medical Research, Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Arundhuti Das
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Indian Council of Medical Research, Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Sujata Dixit
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Indian Council of Medical Research, Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Harpreet Kaur
- Department of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Sanghamitra Pati
- Department of Public Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Manoranjan Ranjit
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Indian Council of Medical Research, Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Ambarish Dutta
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health Foundation of India, Indian Institute of Public Health, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Madhusmita Bal
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Indian Council of Medical Research, Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
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Khairkar M, Vagha S, Deotale V. Review on Scrub Typhus: An Important Etiology of Acute Undifferentiated Fever Illness. Cureus 2023; 15:e47290. [PMID: 38021775 PMCID: PMC10656281 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
One of India's predominant public health issues is acute undifferentiated fever illness (AUFI), a typical response to an infectious agent. Diagnosis becomes challenging when the disease has been reported with fever as the primary symptom. Among the cases presenting at a tertiary care hospital in central India, 88% had an acute undifferentiated fever, the most common being dengue infection. In India, rural communities are at more risk from AUFI than cities. Most of those in danger are those who reside in remote areas, and one of the most significant risks is for those who reside close to forests. AUFI is a complex condition for physicians to deal with and is one of the most frequent clinical conditions for which empirical treatment is required. Nowadays, AUFI can be managed by a syndromic approach with the judicial use of antibiotics. Symptoms of AUFI, along with myalgia, headache, and anorexia, can be caused by various illnesses. Patients are recommended to undertake a battery of investigations, which may delay the therapy and increase expenses because many diseases may present with the same symptoms. In the developed world, viral illness is the primary cause of AUFI. However, in developing countries like India, it can also be brought on by potentially curable but life-threatening conditions such as malaria, leptospirosis, hantavirus infection, and Japanese encephalitis. Lack of knowledge of the locally prevalent illnesses, which might be the cause of AUFI, and lack of preliminary screening and diagnostics at the point of care to identify the etiologies make it difficult to control these generally curable causes of the burden of AUFI, especially in tropical and subtropical countries. A deeper understanding of AUFI is required to develop better diagnostics and cures for various etiologies, especially scrub typhus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihika Khairkar
- Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, IND
| | - Sunita Vagha
- Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, IND
| | - Vijayshri Deotale
- Microbiology, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, IND
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Lahoti A, Singh A, Bisen YT, Bakshi AM. Cutaneous Manifestations and Neurological Diseases. Cureus 2023; 15:e47024. [PMID: 37965391 PMCID: PMC10642374 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Our skin and nervous system are tightly connected. Numerous dermatomes on our skin provide sensory information to the brain. Because skin changes can occasionally be the first sign of a neurological problem, understanding skin alterations is crucial as it can indicate early about the underlying condition, which can affect the prognosis of the disease. In these cases, the dermatologists' and neurologists' skills are complementary to each other. In this article, we have categorized diseases with neuro-cutaneous manifestations under different headings, such as infections, metabolic diseases, connective tissue disorders, genodermatoses, nutritional deficiency, and the diagnostic criteria of some commonly encountered diseases. Through tabulation, it has been observed that this categorization can serve as a useful reference for managing day-to-day patients who are either diagnosed with the diseases mentioned above or suspected to have the conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Lahoti
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Adarshlata Singh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Yuganshu T Bisen
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Amey M Bakshi
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Bhandari M, Singh RK, Laishevtcev A, Mohapatra TM, Nigam M, Mori E, Vasconcelos de Lacerda BCG, Coutinho HDM, Mishra AP. Revisiting scrub typhus: A neglected tropical disease. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 90-91:101888. [PMID: 36252451 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Scrub typhus is an under diagnosed re-emerging vector borne disease caused by an intracellular gram negative bacteria, Orientia. The disease is commonly prevalent in rural and hilly areas of Tsutsugumashi triangle. The diagnosis of the disease is very challenging due to similarity of its early symptoms with other febrile illnesses, like dengue and COVID 19, as well as non-availability of rapid, reliable and cost-effective methods. Moreover, the diverse clinical presentation in severe cases make it significant health problem. The occupational and behavioral risks responsible for the transmission lead to urgent need of vaccine development against the disease. The complete knowledge about its pathogenesis and the interaction with host's immune cells may help the scientists in developing the appropriate diagnostic methods as well as the vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munni Bhandari
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal) 246174, India.
| | - Rahul Kunwar Singh
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal) 246174, India.
| | - Alexey Laishevtcev
- Federal Research Center - All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Veterinary Medicine named after K.I. Skryabin and Y.R. Kovalenko of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; Laboratory of Biocontrol and Antimicrobial Resistance, Orel State, University Named After I.S. Turgenev, Orel, Russia.
| | - Tribhuvan Mohan Mohapatra
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
| | - Manisha Nigam
- Department of Biochemistry, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal-246174, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Edna Mori
- CECAPE - College of Dentistry, Av. Padre Cícero, 3917, Juazeiro do Norte, São José CE 63024-015, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Abhay Prakash Mishra
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa.
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Manjunathachar HV, Barde PV, Raut CG, Tiwari P, Chouksey V, Gowda K, Kumar R, Das A. Determination of cut-off of diagnostic ELISA for Scrub typhus in endemic setup: Central India. J Vector Borne Dis 2021; 58:90-93. [PMID: 34818869 DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.316272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Serology remains the mainstay for diagnosis of scrub typhus. In central India, diagnosis of this neglected emerging zoonotic disease suffers due to lack of standardized region-specific cutoff value and diagnostic test. Henceforth, standardized region-specific cutoff value for diagnostic ELISA play a significant role in initial treatment of patients and to differentiate other febrile diseases in endemic setup. A total of 144 patients of all age groups with acute undifferentiated febrile illness patients, forty healthy controls, dengue and chikungunya positive thirty-five samples in each category, respectively were enrolled in the study and subjected to IgM ELISA (InBioS, International, Inc.). Samples showing OD value more than 0.5 in IgM ELISA, were subjected to nested PCR. Both, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and healthy volunteer samples mean with +3 SD were considered to generate region specific cutoff OD value. A total of 48 patients were diagnosed as cases of scrub typhus through IgM ELISA. Out of 48 samples, 30 were positive by nested PCR. The ROC curve analysis revealed a diagnostic ELISA cutoff value of 0.73 with sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 100%, respectively. The cut off arrived from healthy volunteer is mean OD + 3 SD is 0.72. Considering the significance of scrub typhus diagnosis for treatment and to understand disease dynamics in region wise, the cutoff value of >0.72 for diagnostic ELISA for Madhya Pradesh in central India can be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- H V Manjunathachar
- Division of In-vivo Research, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Pradip V Barde
- Division of Virology & Zoonoses, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - C G Raut
- Division of In-vivo Research, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Prakash Tiwari
- Division of In-vivo Research, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Vivek Chouksey
- Division of In-vivo Research, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Kiran Gowda
- Department of General Medicine, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Ravindra Kumar
- Division of Genetic Disorder, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Aparup Das
- Division of Vector borne diseases, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Ernieenor FCL, NorJaiza MJ, Fadillah A, Canedy J, Mariana A. Screening and genotyping of Orientia tsutsugamushi from field-collected on-host chiggers (Acari: Prostigmata) recovered from a positive scrub typhus locality in Kelantan, Malaysia. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2021; 84:171-182. [PMID: 33826009 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-021-00609-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Orientia tsutsugamushi is the causative agent of scrub typhus vectored by larval stages of trombiculid mites (chiggers) that occur in most tropical regions of Southeast Asia. A total of 242 chiggers extracted from eight small mammals captured from a positive scrub typhus locality in Kelantan, Malaysia, were screened for the presence of O. tsutsugamushi. The chiggers were grouped in 16 pools for extraction of DNA prior to screening of O. tsutsugamushi based on the nucleotide sequence of 56-kDa type specific antigen (TSA) gene using nested polymerase chain reaction. Two species of on-host chiggers were identified, the one, Leptotrombidium deliense, much more dominant (94.8%) than the other, Ascoshoengastia sp. (5.2%). The pathogen was detected in two pools (12.5%) of L. deliense recovered from Rattus rattus and Tupaia sp. The 56-kDa TSA gene sequence analysis revealed the O. tsutsugamushi harboured in those chiggers were Karp prototype strain with high similarity (99.3%). Findings of this study strongly supported the existence of scrub typhus infections in certain parts of Malaysia which agrees with previous local reports. Moreover, this study highlighted the pressing need of a large-scale close observation of O. tsutsugamushi DNA sequences from chiggers that can probably be collected from other positive scrub typhus localities to precisely provide the distribution and prevalence of this zoonotic pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C L Ernieenor
- Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research (IMR), National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Acarology Unit, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Seksyen U13, Setia Alam, 40170, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - M J NorJaiza
- Disease Control Division, Entomology and Pest Unit, Kelantan State Health Department, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Jalan Mahmood, 15200, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - A Fadillah
- Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research (IMR), National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Acarology Unit, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Seksyen U13, Setia Alam, 40170, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - J Canedy
- Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research (IMR), National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Acarology Unit, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Seksyen U13, Setia Alam, 40170, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - A Mariana
- Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research (IMR), National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Acarology Unit, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Seksyen U13, Setia Alam, 40170, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
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Gaba S, Gupta M, Gaba R, Lehl SS. Scrub Typhus: an Update*. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-021-00234-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Gulati S, Chunduru K, Madiyal M, Setia MS, Saravu K. Validation of a Clinical Risk-scoring Algorithm for Scrub Typhus Severity in South India. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021; 25:551-556. [PMID: 34177175 PMCID: PMC8196374 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-23828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A clinical risk-scoring algorithm (CRSA) to forecast the scrub typhus severity was developed from two general hospitals in Thailand where patients were classified into three groups-nonsevere, severe, and fatal. In this study, an attempt was made to validate the risk-scoring algorithm for prognostication of scrub typhus severity in India. Materials and methods This prospective study was conducted at a hospital in South India between November 2017 and March 2019. Patients of scrub typhus were categorized into nonsevere, severe, and fatal according to the CRSA. The patients were also grouped into severe and nonsevere according to the definition of severe scrub typhus which was used as a gold standard. The obtained CRSA score was validated against the classification based on the definition of severe scrub typhus. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve for the scores was plotted and the Youden's index for optimal cutoff was used. Results A total of 198 confirmed cases of scrub typhus were included in the study. According to the ROC curve, at a severity score ≥7, an optimal combination of sensitivity of 75.9% and specificity of 77.5% was achieved. It correctly predicted 76.77% (152 of 198) of patients as severe, with an underestimation of 10.61% (21 patients) and an overestimation of 12.63% (25 patients). Conclusion In the present study setting, a cutoff of ≥7 for severity prediction provides an optimum combination of sensitivity and specificity. These findings need to be validated in further studies. How to cite this article Gulati S, Chunduru K, Madiyal M, Setia MS, Saravu K. Validation of a Clinical Risk-scoring Algorithm for Scrub Typhus Severity in South India. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(5):551-556.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivali Gulati
- Department of Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Kiran Chunduru
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India; Manipal Center for Infectious Diseases, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Mridula Madiyal
- Department of Microbiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Maninder S Setia
- MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kavitha Saravu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India; Manipal Center for Infectious Diseases, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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AuNPs/CNF-modified DNA biosensor for early and quick detection of O. tsutsugamushi in patients suffering from scrub typhus. 3 Biotech 2020; 10:446. [PMID: 33014689 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-020-02432-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel approach has been developed for the detection of 56 kDa tissue-specific antigen (TSA) gene of Orientia tsutsugamushi a causative agent of scrub typhus disease. The approach was developed by immobilization of 5' NH2 labeled ssDNA probe selective to 56 kDa TSA gene, to the surface of AuNPs/CNF modified screen-printed electrode. An electrochemical response was recorded with single stranded genomic DNA (ssDNA) of O. tsutsugamushi isolated from patient sample, using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrode surface was characterized by Field-Emission Scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman Spectroscopy at each step of fabrication. The DNA biosensor shows optimum response within 50-60 s at room temperature (25 ± 3 °C). The sensor shows higher sensitivity [7849 (µA/cm2)/ng DNA], fast response time (60 s), wider linear range (0.04-2.6 ng) with limit of detection of 0.02 ng/µl of ssDNA sample.
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Kala D, Gupta S, Nagraik R, Verma V, Thakur A, Kaushal A. Diagnosis of scrub typhus: recent advancements and challenges. 3 Biotech 2020; 10:396. [PMID: 32834918 PMCID: PMC7431554 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-020-02389-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus is a mite-borne, acute febrile illness caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi. It is a re-emerging infectious disease of the tsutsugamushi triangle. Scrub typhus is transmitted through bites of contaminated chiggers (larval stage). Diagnosis of scrub typhus is challenging as its symptoms mimic with other acute febrile illnesses. Several methods are effectual for diagnosis of scrub typhus that includes enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence assay (IFA), immunochromatographic test (ICT), Weil-Felix, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). Weil-Felix test was initially used for the diagnosis of scrub typhus in underdeveloped countries but not preferred due to a lack of both specificity and sensitivity. Other immuno-based methods like IFA and ELISA are most outrank for detection of scrub typhus due to their higher sensitivity and specificity, but not vigorous to lay bare the infection at early stages and need the convalescent sampling for verification of positive samples. On another deed, PCR based methods becoming acceptable over era due to its dexterity of early-stage diagnosis with higher specificity and sensitivity but lack its applicability in circumstances of scrub typhus due to the variegated genetic makeup of Orientia tsutsugamushi among its serotypes. The present review focused on various detection methods along with their advantages and disadvantages used in the diagnosis of scrub typhus. A comparison between available methods of diagnosis with challenges in the detection of scrub typhus is also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Kala
- Amity Center of Nanotechnology, Amity University, Haryana, 122413 India
| | | | | | | | - Atul Thakur
- Amity Center of Nanotechnology, Amity University, Haryana, 122413 India
| | - Ankur Kaushal
- Amity Center of Nanotechnology, Amity University, Haryana, 122413 India
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Dorji K, Phuentshok Y, Zangpo T, Dorjee S, Dorjee C, Jolly P, Morris R, Marquetoux N, McKenzie J. Clinical and Epidemiological Patterns of Scrub Typhus, an Emerging Disease in Bhutan. Trop Med Infect Dis 2019; 4:tropicalmed4020056. [PMID: 30934849 PMCID: PMC6631561 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed4020056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus (ST) is a vector-borne rickettsial infection causing acute febrile illness. The re-emergence of ST in the Asia-Pacific region represents a serious public health threat. ST was first detected in Bhutan in 2008. However, the disease is likely to be under-diagnosed and under-reported, and the true impact is difficult to estimate. At the end of 2014, the SD Bioline Tsutsugamushi TestTM rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits became available in all hospitals to assist clinicians in diagnosing ST. We conducted a retrospective descriptive study, reviewing records from all hospitals of Bhutan to identify all RDT-positive clinical cases of ST in Bhutan in 2015. The aim was to evaluate the burden of ST in Bhutan, describe the demographic, spatial and temporal patterns of disease, and identify the typical clinical presentations. The annual incidence of RDT-positive cases of ST reporting to Bhutanese hospitals in 2015 was estimated to be 62 per 100,000 population at risk. The incidence of disease was highest in the southern districts with a subtropical climate and a high level of agricultural production. The highest proportion of cases (87%) was rural residents, with farmers being the main occupational category. The disease was strongly seasonal, with 97% of cases occurring between June and November, coinciding with the monsoon and agricultural production seasons. Common ST symptoms were not specific, and an eschar was noted by clinicians in only 7.4% of cases, which is likely to contribute to an under-diagnosis of ST. ST represents an important and neglected burden, especially in rural communities in Bhutan. The outcomes of this study will inform public health measures such as timely-awareness programmes for clinicians and the public in high-risk areas, to improve the diagnosis, treatment and clinical outcomes of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kezang Dorji
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
- Samdrup Jongkhar Hospital, Ministry of Health, Samdrup Jongkhar 41001, Bhutan.
| | - Yoenten Phuentshok
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
- National Centre for Animal Health, Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Serbithang, Thimphu 11001, Bhutan.
| | - Tandin Zangpo
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
- Dechencholing BHU-I, Ministry of Health, Thimphu 11001, Bhutan.
| | - Sithar Dorjee
- Faculty of Nursing and Public Health, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Thimphu 11001, Bhutan.
| | - Chencho Dorjee
- Faculty of Nursing and Public Health, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Thimphu 11001, Bhutan.
| | - Peter Jolly
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
| | - Roger Morris
- Morvet Ltd., Consultancy Services in Health Risk Management and Food Safety Policy and Programs, Masterton 5885, New Zealand.
| | - Nelly Marquetoux
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
| | - Joanna McKenzie
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
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Ranjan J, Prakash JAJ. Scrub typhus re-emergence in India: Contributing factors and way forward. Med Hypotheses 2018; 115:61-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2018.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Xu G, Walker DH, Jupiter D, Melby PC, Arcari CM. A review of the global epidemiology of scrub typhus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0006062. [PMID: 29099844 PMCID: PMC5687757 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus is a serious public health problem in the Asia-Pacific area. It threatens one billion people globally, and causes illness in one million people each year. Caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, scrub typhus can result in severe multiorgan failure with a case fatality rate up to 70% without appropriate treatment. The antigenic heterogeneity of O. tsutsugamushi precludes generic immunity and allows reinfection. As a neglected disease, there is still a large gap in our knowledge of the disease, as evidenced by the sporadic epidemiologic data and other related public health information regarding scrub typhus in its endemic areas. Our objective is to provide a systematic analysis of current epidemiology, prevention and control of scrub typhus in its long-standing endemic areas and recently recognized foci of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Xu
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - David H. Walker
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Daniel Jupiter
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Peter C. Melby
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Christine M. Arcari
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
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Clinical and paraclinical profile, and predictors of outcome in 90 cases of scrub typhus, Meghalaya, India. Infect Dis Poverty 2016; 5:91. [PMID: 27716337 PMCID: PMC5051022 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-016-0186-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND India is an integral component of "tsutsugamushi triangle" which depicts a part of the globe endemic to scrub typhus. Owing to frequent outbreaks witnessed in different parts of the country in the recent past, scrub typhus is described as a re-emerging infectious disease in India. The present study aimed to study the clinical and paraclinical profile, complications and predictors of outcome among 90 cases of scrub typhus diagnosed in a hospital of north-eastern India from Sept 2011 to Aug 2012. METHODS A longitudinal study was conducted in a hospital of Meghalaya, India between Sept 2011 and Aug 2012. Diagnosis of scrub typhus was arrived by SD BIOLINE tsutsugamushi (solid phase immunochromatographic assay) rapid diagnostic test for antibodies (IgM, IgG or IgA). Descriptive analyses of age, gender, geographic area, symptoms and signs, treatment, laboratory findings, complications, and outcome were conducted. Relative risk (RR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) was computed for Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) and mortality. Binary logistic regression was applied to the significant correlates (P < 0.05) on univariate analysis to identify the predictors of MODS and mortality in scrub typhus. RESULTS As many as 662 clinically suspected scrub typhus patients were tested and 90 (13.6 %) were diagnosed to have scrub typhus. Out of 90 patients, 52.2 % (n = 47) were males and their mean (SD) age was 36.29 (13.38) years. Fever of <7 days (n = 75, 83.3 %), myalgia (n = 56, 62.2 %), pain abdomen (n = 24, 26.7 %), headache (n = 24, 26.7 %), nausea/vomiting (n = 21, 23.3 %), dry cough (n = 21, 23.3 %), hepatomegaly (n = 24, 26.7 %), splenomegaly (n = 22, 24.4 %), and lymphadenopathy (n = 20, 22.2 %) were the predominant clinical features. Eschar was seen in 10 patients (11.1 %). One third (n = 30) of the patients developed at least one systemic complication. Acute hepatitis (n = 15, 16.7 %), pneumonitis (n = 14, 15.6 %), and acute kidney injury (n = 11, 12.2 %) were the common complications. MODS was seen in 14.4 % (n = 13) and 38.5 % (n = 5) of the patients with MODS died. Overall, case fatality rate was 5.15 % (n = 5). On univariate analysis, platelets <100 000/mm3, serum creatinine >1.5 mg/dl, and transaminase (AST, ALT or both) >500 U/L were associated with MODS (P < 0.001) and mortality (P < 0.05). In addition, serum bilirubin >3 mg/dl was also associated with MODS (P < 0.001). On applying binary logistic regression, serum creatinine >1.5 mg/dl was a predictor of MODS (OR: 76.1, 95 % CI: 4.9-1175.6) and mortality (OR: 18.03, 95 % CI: 1.38-235.1). CONCLUSION In this study setting, approximately one-seventh (13.6 %) of the acute undifferentiated febrile illness were due to scrub typhus. Systemic complications were common (33.3 %). Serum creatinine >1.5 mg/dl was a predictor of MODS and mortality.
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15
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Chanana L, Atre K, Galwankar S, Kelkar D. State of the Globe: What's the Right Test for Diagnosing Rickettseal Diseases. J Glob Infect Dis 2016; 8:95-6. [PMID: 27621558 PMCID: PMC4997799 DOI: 10.4103/0974-777x.188581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lakshay Chanana
- Honourable Fellow of the Academic College of Emergency Experts, Vellore, India
| | | | - Sagar Galwankar
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida, Jacksonville, USA
| | - Dhanashree Kelkar
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Winter Haven Hospital Division, University of Florida, Jacksonville, USA
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