Evaluating Clinical Picture and Predictors of Scrub Typhus Meningoencephalitis

A bstract Aims and Objectives: Scrub typhus is a reemerging disease that can cause severe complications like meningoencephalitis, especially in children. This study examines the clinical features and predictors of scrub typhus meningoencephalitis (SME). Materials and Methods: Conducted at a tertiary care hospital from October 2020 to September 2022, this study involved children aged 6 months to 18 years with undifferentiated fever or eschar. The diagnosis was confirmed using immunoglobulin M enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, neurological assessments, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Results: Among 119 children (68 males), 17 (14.29%) had SME requiring intensive care for a longer duration. Significant predictors of SME included vomiting (58.8% vs. 17.6%), myalgia (35.3% vs. 10.8%), altered sensorium (29.4% vs. 2.9%), seizures (35.3% vs. 2%), and higher mean C-reactive protein levels (102.32 mg/L vs. 53.07 mg/L, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Early diagnosis of SME by monitoring key clinical and biochemical features and prompt treatment are crucial in reducing scrub typhus complications, especially in endemic regions.