PRIMARY NEONATAL SCRUB TYPHUS - A CASE REPORT

Scrub typhus is a rickettsial disease that is endemic to tropical countries. It is extremely rare in the newborn period. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a primary neonatal scrub typhus presenting with multi-organ dysfunction. We discuss here about the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and life threatening complications of a neonate with primary scrub typhus, who recovered completely with commencement of appropriate therapy. An eschar over the ear clinched the diagnosis. There was a dramatic clinical improvement within 24 hours of treatment. The timely diagnosis and institution of appropriate therapy saved the infant from a life threatening situation.