Atypical presentation of epidemic typhus in South India: A case report

摘要

Background: Epidemic typhus is due to R. prowazekii. In India the endemic spot is Kashmir. Infection is transmitted when the contaminated louse faces is rubbed through the minute abrasions caused by scratching. Occasionally, infection may also be transmitted by aerosols of dried louse faces through inhalation or through the conjunctiva. Incubation period is 5 - 15 days. They infect the vascular endothelium and reticuloendothelial cells with 40%case fatality. A characteristic rash sparing the face, palms and soles.