Scrub Typhus Co-infection in an Adolescent Girl with Varicella.

ABSTRACT

Background: Co-infections with scrub typhus have been described quite frequently in adults but less frequently in children. Case characteristics An adolescent girl with varicella infection who had persistent fever. Associated clinical features like pain abdomen, vomiting, and features of third space losses made us suspect a co-infection. IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA in acute and convalescent serum were suggestive of scrub typhus. Outcome: She recovered following a course of oral doxycycline. Message In unexplained prolonged fever or atypical clinical manifestations not explainable by the primary disease process, coinfection needs to be considered.