Question

Diagnosis of Scrub Typhus.

Hint:

PCR is the most sensitive method for early diagnosis of scrub typhus, especially during the acute phase.

Answer 1

Diagnosis of scrub typhus is made based on clinical features, patient history, and laboratory tests. The key diagnostic approaches include:
1. Serology:
- Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IF: The most reliable test for diagnosing scrub typhus. Detection of IgM and IgG antibodies against *Orientia tsutsugamushi*.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELIS: Detects antibodies to the rickettsial antigen.
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Used to detect *Orientia tsutsugamushi* DNA in blood or tissue samples. It is highly sensitive during the acute phase.
2. Blood Culture:
- Blood culture can isolate the causative organism, but it is less commonly performed due to difficulty and time involved.
3. Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs):
- RDTs based on detecting IgM antibodies or antigen can provide quick results in endemic regions.