Best General Physician In Guntur

🦠 Orientia Tsutsugamushi: The Causative Agent of Scrub Typhus

Orientia tsutsugamushi, the **causative bacteria** for **Scrub typhus**, is the most common **re-emerging rickettsial infection** in **Southeast Asia**, including **India**.

An infection never to be forgotten, especially during the **monsoon season**, when a patient presents with **febrile illness**.

It’s often misdiagnosed as **dengue** due to **similar clinical presentation** and associated **thrombocytopenia** on regular evaluation.

Always search for **ESCHAR**, a **dark brown or black crusty skin lesion**, formed by the bite of the mite that inoculates the above-mentioned bacteria.

Highlighting **key differentiating features** from **Dengue** that can help on a **busy OP day** for a **general practitioner**.

✅ Key Differences Between Scrub Typhus and Dengue

Unlike **Dengue**, **hypotension** isn’t common in **Scrub Typhus**, though patients may appear similarly **toxic**.
Patients present with **more respiratory distress** in **Scrub Typhus**.
Unlike **Dengue**, **Leucocytosis and Neutrophilia** are common in **Scrub Typhus**, despite **thrombocytopenia**.
Scrub Typhus often presents with **spurious thrombocytopenia** due to **platelet clumps**, which can be identified on a **peripheral smear**.

🧪 Diagnostic Approach

**Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) can be misleading**. A proper **clinical evaluation** combined with **ELISA/IFA** is crucial for confirming **Scrub Typhus**.

💊 Treatment & Management

Fortunately, **Tetracyclines & Azithromycin remain effective**, as resistance is minimal. However, close **monitoring and management** of **end-organ damage** is crucial.