Scrub typhus-related hepatotoxicity: The Indian scenario

Trop Doct. 2021 Apr;51(2):228-231. doi: 10.1177/0049475521991353. Epub 2021 Feb 21.

Abstract

In Scrunb Typhus, hepatotoxicity is an important, yet understudied, manifestation. We reviewed studies on scrub typhus, published in the last five years (2014-2019), which evaluated its clinico-epidemiological factors in India, and concentrated on its hepatic involvement. Nine studies were found, and no Indian study exclusively evaluated hepatic dysfunction. Thus, comments from a few international studies were also included. We conclude that liver dysfunction in the form of elevated serum transaminase levels is a common manifestation of scrub typhus, which may herald progress to fulminant hepatic failure.

Keywords: Hypertransaminasaemia; fulminant hepatic failure; hepatic dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • India
  • Liver Diseases / blood
  • Liver Diseases / etiology*
  • Liver Diseases / physiopathology
  • Liver Failure, Acute / etiology
  • Liver Failure, Acute / physiopathology
  • Scrub Typhus / blood
  • Scrub Typhus / complications*
  • Scrub Typhus / physiopathology
  • Transaminases / blood

Substances

  • Transaminases