Relevance Of Orientia Tsutsugamushi Antibodies In Elevated Levels Of Liver Enzymes And Thrombocytopenia Among Patients In Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Scrub typhus is an endemic zoonosis in India and it has been categorized under non-malarial illness. Eschar is the prompt diagnosis of ST, but mostly we rely on the laboratory parameters like specific ELISA, Rapid Immunochromatographic tests (ICT) etc. This study is to identify the relevance of scrub typhus antibodies in patients with elevated levels of liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia in tertiary care hospital, Puducherry.

Materials and Methods: The investigative prospective study was conducted in tertiary care teaching institute, for the period of four months from July to November 2023. About 100 samples were collected from patients with elevated levels of liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia (n=50) and healthy voluntary blood donors (n=50). For these samples Rapid ICT and IgM/IgG ELISA was performed to confirm the disease.

Results: A total of 100 samples were performed using Rapid ICT and ELISA. Among 50 patient samples, five samples 10% were positive for ST RAPID ICT IgM and IgG antibodies which confirmed by IgM & IgG ELISA tests. Remaining 50 voluntary blood donor samples, two had (4.0%) positive for only ST IgG. There was no positivity was observed for ST IgM antibodies.

Conclusion: Standardization is required for non-specific markers viz., elevated levels of liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia after thorough evaluation we may consider as a tool for the diagnosis of ST.