A Comprehensive Review on Scrub Typhus: Epidemiology, Transmission, Diagnosis and Management
Maina Solomon Gitau
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Swathi College of Pharmacy, Venkatachalm, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Orutwa Hamson Asiago
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (RIPER), Krishnamreddy Palli Cross, Chiyyedu(Post), Anantapuramu, 515721, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Onchonga Ondabu Rogers
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (RIPER), Krishnamreddy Palli Cross, Chiyyedu(Post), Anantapuramu, 515721, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Kanala Somasekhar Reddy *
Department of Pharmacology, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (RIPER), Krishnamreddy Palli Cross, Chiyyedu (Post), Anantapuramu, 515721, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Bhupalam PradeepKumar
Department of Pharmacology, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (RIPER), Krishnamreddy Palli Cross, Chiyyedu (Post), Anantapuramu, 515721, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Akkiraju Sudheer
Department of Pharmacology, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (RIPER), Krishnamreddy Palli Cross, Chiyyedu (Post), Anantapuramu, 515721, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Praveen Kumara Pasala
Department of Pharmacology, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (RIPER), Krishnamreddy Palli Cross, Chiyyedu (Post), Anantapuramu, 515721, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Panga Swarna
Department of Pharmacology, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (RIPER), Krishnamreddy Palli Cross, Chiyyedu (Post), Anantapuramu, 515721, Andhra Pradesh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Scrub typhus is a serious public health risk in areas where it is endemic. It is brought on by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi and is spread via the bite of infected chiggers. The epidemiology, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of scrub typhus are summarized in this overview, along with recent developments. The disease is most common in rural sections of Asia, the Pacific Islands, and portions of Australia, where chigger populations are encouraged by favorable environmental conditions.
The clinical signs of chigger bites can range in severity from mild to severe, presenting with symptoms like fever, headaches, and the distinctive Escher at the bite site. Severe cases may result in consequences such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and organ failure, which call for prompt identification and treatment. Molecular techniques and serological testing are used as diagnostic tools. Molecular assays are a quick and reliable way to identify Orientia tsutsugamushi.
Antibiotics are the cornerstone of treatment, and doxycycline is the drug of choice. Treatment must be started as soon as possible to avoid problems and enhance results. The importance of public health interventions, such as vector control and health education, is highlighted by issues like antibiotic resistance and restricted access to treatment in rural areas.
Personal protection is the main focus of preventive measures, which include donning proper attire and applying insect repellents. Managing the environment and involving the community are important strategies for lowering chigger populations. Additional research is being done to create effective scrub typhus vaccines, even if there isn't one that is now generally authorized.
Keywords: Orientia tsutsugamushi, Scrubtyphus, Escher, vector-borne disease, chigger-borne disease, rickettsial infection, zoonosis, diagnostic tests, scrub typhus epidemiology, endemic regions, vaccine development