Comparison of nested polymerase chain reaction and real-time polymerase chain reaction targeting 47kda gene for the diagnosis of scrub typhus.

Introduction: Scrub typhus is a zoonotic infection caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi which is transmitted by Leptotrombidium mites. The disease manifests as a mild-to-severe illness with non-specific clinical symptoms. Rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential for patient management.

Molecular detection of from suspected scrub typhus cases.

Context: Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. The disease is under-diagnosed in India, because of low index of suspicion and also due to its nonspecific presentation, and lack of confirmatory diagnostic tests.

Aims: This study was undertaken to diagnose scrub typhus in patients with undifferentiated fevers by serology and molecular methods.