Abstract

Scrub typhus (ST) is a rickettsial infection caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT), which present with flu like symptoms. It is endemic in certain parts of world which includes South Asian region. This infection is associated with variable risk factors depending upon the geographical location, age and lifestyle patterns. In India, this disease has been reported from all the directions but with slight variations in its pattern. Thus to decrease the prevalence, prevent new incidences and predict the course of disease, knowledge and perception of local risk components which are associated with ST is crucial. Present study is about distribution pattern of OT infection among local population of Eastern Uttar Pradesh (EUP) region. It was found that EUP is an endemic region for ST infection which is mainly because of association of local folk with pets/cattle/rodent and agricultural work.

Keywords: Scrub typhus; Orientia tsutsugamushi; Zoonotic infection; Eastern Uttar Pradesh; Rickettsial infection