Maternal and foetal outcomes of scrub typhus in pregnancy: A retrospective study

Scrub typhus, caused by <i>Orientia tsutsugamushi</i>, is a zoonotic infection endemic to the Asia-Pacific region. Its severity ranges from mild illness to life-threatening complications and case fatality rate upto 30%, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis. This study analyzed the clinical profile and pregnancy outcomes of 34 pregnant women diagnosed with scrub typhus at a tertiary care and referral centre. Poor foetal outcomes were observed in 18 (53%) pregnancies with intra-uterine deaths and spontaneous abortion occurring in 12 cases, while six had preterm births between 32 and 35 weeks of gestation. There was no maternal mortality. In endemic regions, scrub typhus should be considered in all pregnant women presenting with unexplained fever. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to improving maternal and foetal outcomes.