Distribution of Eschar in Children With Scrub Typhus

Abstract

Scrub typhus is caused by an intracellular bacterium, Orientia tsutsugamushi. It causes a disseminated vasculitic and perivascular inflammatory lesions. These lead to significant vascular leakage and end-organ injury. Eschar is the site of inoculation. It is painless and non-pruritic. It is a useful indicator of the disease. We studied the scrub typhus children with eschar to describe its distribution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study done in tertiary care hospital. Study was done with aim of studying the distribution of eschar. Patients included in study are: confirmed to have scrub typhus with a positive Scrub typhus IgM ELISA test and presence of eschar, Children less than 18 years. Data collected regarding clinical profile of cases and eschar distribution. RESULTS:Totally 52 cases with eschar were included in the study. Commonest site of eschar was axilla followed by groin. Other common sites of eschar included abdomen and chest. CONCLUSION: Detection of eschar helps clinically to distinguish scrub typhus from other febrile illness. Knowledge of common eschar sites would be useful for early clinical diagnosis of scrub typhus.

Study of Distribution of Eschars in Paediatric Scrub Typhus Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital

“…Our study had good correlation with Bahubali D Gane study (2011)(2012)(2013)(2014)(2015). 3 regarding the common sites of eschar, i.e. axilla and groin regions and other less common sites also.…”