Clinical profile of scrub typhus in children and its association with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

Objective

To study the clinical profile of children with scrub typhus and its association with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Methods

Children presenting with unexplained fever and multi-systemic involvement between May to December 2011 were tested for scrub typhus using IgM ELISA kits. Occurrence of Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in IgM positive cases of scrub typhus was studied.

Results

Of the 35 children with unexplained fever and multi-systemic involvement, 15 children (9 boys) tested positive for scrub typhus. Thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia and raised hepatic transaminases were observed in all children. Out of seven children evaluated for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. 3 met the criteria for hemophagocytosis. Two children (one with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis) died.

Conclusions

Scrub typhus is a common cause of unexplained fever in children in northern India. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis can occasionally complicate scrub typhus in children.

     

Duplex PCR Assay for Identification of Tissue of Cattle and Buffalo Origin Targeting Mitochondrial Cytochrome b Gene

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences - The aim of this study was to develop PCR assay for simultaneous detection of tissues from cattle and buffalo...     

Cystic white-matter changes in childhood Wilson's disease

Altered signals in magnetic resonance imaging are present in most symptomatic patients with neurologic manifestations of Wilson's disease. The changes primarily involve the basal ganglia, but they can be diverse and can involve a host of other structures. We describe a 12-year-old boy with Wilson's disease who manifested prominent white-matter cystic changes. These changes can cause diagnostic confusion, and may also present prognostic implications.     

Leopard–Human Conflict Led Casualties and Conservation Awareness Campaign in Shivalik Hills of Northern India

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences - Leopard attacks on human frequently occur in the vicinity of human settlements. People have very little...