Scrub Typhus (Tsutsugamushi) Antibody – BC280
🌡️ Febrile Illness Test (Rickettsial)Report: Next day Evening (Except Sunday)
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC280
The Scrub Typhus Antibody test is a serological blood test that detects antibodies (usually IgM and/or IgG) against the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi. This bacterium is the cause of Scrub Typhus, a mite-borne infectious disease characterized by fever, headache, rash, and often a distinctive black scab (eschar).
✔ A key diagnostic tool for identifying Scrub Typhus infection, especially after the first week of symptoms.
✔ Helps differentiate Scrub Typhus from other febrile illnesses like Dengue, Malaria, or Typhoid.
✔ Important for patients presenting with fever after exposure in endemic areas (rural, scrub vegetation).
✔ A simple blood test.
Understanding Scrub Typhus
Scrub Typhus, also known as Tsutsugamushi disease, is a potentially serious illness found predominantly in the Asia-Pacific region, including parts of India. It is caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected larval mites, commonly called chiggers. These mites thrive in areas with heavy scrub vegetation (hence the name "scrub typhus").
Symptoms typically appear 1-2 weeks after the bite and include:
- Sudden onset of fever and chills
- Severe headache
- Body aches and muscle pain
- A characteristic dark, crusted scab at the site of the chigger bite (an eschar), though this is not always present.
- A maculopapular rash may appear a few days into the illness.
- Enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy).
If not treated promptly with appropriate antibiotics (like doxycycline), Scrub Typhus can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, meningitis, organ failure, and death.
The Role of Antibody Testing
Diagnosing Scrub Typhus can be challenging as its symptoms overlap with many other tropical fevers. Antibody tests are a mainstay of diagnosis, particularly after the first week of illness when the body's immune response becomes detectable. The test looks for IgM antibodies (indicating a recent, active infection) and/or IgG antibodies (indicating a current or past infection). A significant rise in antibody levels between an initial (acute) sample and a later (convalescent) sample is the most definitive serological evidence of a recent infection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Scrub Typhus is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi. It is transmitted by the bite of infected chiggers (larval mites) and typically causes fever, headache, rash, and sometimes a characteristic black scab called an eschar.
If you have symptoms like persistent fever, headache, and body aches, especially after potential exposure in rural or grassy areas, your doctor may order this test to check if Scrub Typhus is the cause.
A positive result, especially for IgM antibodies or a rising IgG level, strongly suggests a recent or current Scrub Typhus infection. Your doctor will use this result along with your symptoms to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
Antibody tests for Scrub Typhus are generally reliable, especially when performed after the first week of illness. Sometimes paired testing (acute and convalescent samples) is needed for definitive confirmation. Other tests like PCR may be used in specific situations.
No, fasting is not required for the Scrub Typhus antibody blood test.