Background: Scrub typhus is a re-emerging zoonotic infection in India with significant morbidity and mortality due to delayed diagnosis and complications. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months at Sree Balaji Medical College & Hospital, Chennai. Ninety-three adult patients with confirmed scrub typhus (IgM ELISA and/or eschar) were enrolled. Socio-demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Associations with complications and outcomes were analyzed using chi-square and t-tests. Results: Most patients were male (71%) and from rural areas (78.5%). The predominant age groups were 20–29 (22.6%) and 40–49 (21.5%) years. Fever (100%), myalgia (76.3%), and headache (63.4%) were common. Eschar was seen in 20.4%. Complications occurred in 52.7%, mainly renal (14.0%), respiratory (11.8%), and neurological (5.4%). Multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) was present in 5.4% and was significantly associated with mortality (p < 0.01). The overall case fatality rate was 6.5%. Risk factors included outdoor exposure (95.7%), rodent presence (93.5%), and vegetation exposure (86.0%). Conclusion: Scrub typhus remains a major health challenge in endemic regions. Early recognition, timely treatment, and clinician awareness are crucial to prevent severe complications. MODS is a key predictor of mortality. Strengthening diagnostic capacity and vector control measures in rural communities is essential. ..
Keywords: Scrub typhus, Orientia tsutsugamushi, multi-organ dysfunction, febrile illness, mortality, Tamil Nadu.
How to cite this article: Dr. Vaddera Pranav theja*, Dr. N N Anand, Dr.Karthikeya T M, Dr. Aswathy Menon T. Distribution and Determinants of Scrub Typhus in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Chennai. 2025;15(4): 1929-1934, DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.15.4.47