Abstract :
Background: Rickettsial infections are under-reported in India. The actual disease burden has been underestimated as non-specific serological tests are mostly used to diagnose these infections.
Aim & Objective: The aim of this study was the detection of Rickettsia infections in clinical specimens by Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction.
Materials and Methods: A study was established to analyse blood samples taken from pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) or undifferentiated fever cases. A total of 69 such patients, were referred/walked-in to our diagnostic centre, Indore, India between October 2021 and May 2023. The blood samples were collected in EDTA lavender (purple) top tube.
Results: Of the tested samples, 14 patients (20.3%) were positive for Rickettsia infection. Gender wise distribution revealed higher incidence (57%) of Rickettsial infections in male patients. Children were majorly infected (50% of cases); multiple infection was also noted in them, though severity was not high. Severe clinical manifestation including hospitalization was also noted in some patients.
Conclusion: Few reports are available from India on molecular diagnosis of Rickettsia infection. Early-stage molecular diagnosis will help to stave off and prevent serious complications.
Keyword :
Rickettsia, Central India, Real time PCR, Molecular diagnosis.