DISTRIBUTION OF ESCHAR IN CHILDREN WITH SCRUB TYPHUS

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.