Introduction: Scrub typhus is one of the differential diagnoses of acute febrile illnesses. It causes serious complications like renal failure, liver failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), Multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS), meningitis and thrombocytopenia. High index of suspicion and early diagnosis of scrub typhus by serological test can greatly reduce the chances of life threatening complications.
Aim & Objectives: The aim of this study is to detect the IgM antibodies by Capture Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Weil-Felix agglutination test against Scrub typhus to compare the results of IgM ELISAwith Weil-Felix test and to study the clinical complications associated with scrub typhus and its outcome.
Materials and Methods: Total of 150 blood samples were collected from clinically suspected Scrub typhus patients. IgM ELISA (commercial) and Weil-Felix agglutination test for Scrub typhus were performed on all serum samples.
Results: Among 150 patients, 34 (23 %) showed positivity by IgM ELISA, 32 (21%)showed positivity by both IgM ELISAand Weil-Felix test against OX K antigen and 84 (56%) samples were negative by both IgM ELISA and Weil-Felix test. The sensitivity of IgM ELISA and Weil -Felix agglutination test is100 % and 48 % respectively.
Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment will prevent further complications and mortality due to Scrub typhus. This study suggests that IgM ELISA is highly sensitive for diagnosis of scrub typhus than Weil-Felix agglutination test.
