Diagnostic dilemma in laboratory confirmation of acute scrub typhus infection: Relevance of ST IgM, IgG antibodies and molecular markers

In view of the persistence of IgM in ST over months and, in some cases, years, there is a diagnostic dilemma in confirming ST based on single ST IgM, especially in ST-endemic regions. This is compounded by the additional presence of ST IgG in the early days of acute infection. q PCR is recommended to confirm doubtful cases of ST.