Year: 2026 | Month: March | Volume: 16 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 17-25
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260303
Hematological, Hepatic and Renal Profiles in Patients with Scrub Typhus at a Tertiary Centre in Upper Assam
Chakradhaj Mili1, Prankrishana Bharali2
1Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Lakhimpur Medical College, North Lakhimpur, Assam
2Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, Assam, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Chakradhaj Mili
ABSTRACT
Background: Scrub typhus is a zoonotic, vector-borne disease transmitted by larval stage (chiggers) of trombiculid mites. It presents usually as acute febrile illness with potential multiple organ systems involvement, particularly affecting hematological, hepatic and renal functions. Data on the clinical and biochemical profiles of scrub typhus from Upper Assam were limited.
Aims and objective: To evaluate the hematological, hepatic and renal profile abnormalities in scrub typhus patients.
Material and method: This cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted among 55 consecutive patients with scrub typhus attending a tertiary care hospital in upper Assam. All patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation and laboratory investigations, with emphasis on hematological parameters, liver and kidney functions tests. Data were analyzed descriptively.
Results and observations: Scrub typhus predominantly affected young and middle -aged adults (21-51 years). Anemia was observed in 50.9%, leukocytosis in 34.5%, thrombocytopenia in 40% and thrombocytosis in 3.6% cases. Hyperbilirubinemia (>3gm/dl) was observed in 18.2%. Elevated transaminases were common with raised SGOT and SGPT were noted in 83.2% and 69.09% of cases respectively. marked elevation (>3 times the upper limit of normal) was observed in 29.09% for SGOT and 16.36% for SGPT. Serum dysfunction was evident, with Serum creatinine >1.6 mg/dl in 21.81% of cases; 9.1% had levels between 1.7-2.9 mg/dl,5.5 % had between 3-4.9 mg/dl and 7.3% had values >5 mg/dl.
Conclusion: Scrub typhus is frequently associated with significant hematological, hepatic and renal dysfunction reflecting multi system involvement. Awareness of these abnormalities is crucial for early diagnosis, appropriate management and improved prognosis in endemic regions.
Key words: Scrub typhus, hepatic and renal profile, thrombocytopenia, Orientia tsutsugamushi, upper assam