Neurological Manifestations of Scrub Typhus Infection in Pediatric Patient: A Case Report From Tertiary Care Hospital in Central India

Cureus. 2024 Jan 27;16(1):e53060. doi: 10.7759/cureus.53060. eCollection 2024 Jan.

Abstract

Scrub typhus is a neglected tropical bacterial disease endemic in central India which can manifest as meningitis/meningoencephalitis in children. It is difficult to diagnose clinically, especially in the absence of eschar or rash. Scrub typhus is seldom considered the differential diagnosis of meningitis in the Indian subcontinent. Appropriate investigations can lead to early detection of infection and initiation of correct antibiotic treatment leading to better patient prognosis even when features of meningitis supervene. Here, we report a pediatric case of scrub typhus meningitis that could be saved due to timely investigations and initiation of appropriate antimicrobial agents.

Keywords: rickettsial disease; scrub typhus case report; scrub typhus meningitis; scrub typhus meningitis in children; scrub typhus meningoencephalitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports