A Study on Rickettsial Infections and its Isolation by Serological and Molecular Methods

Background and objectives: Prevalence of re-emerging of rickettsial infections are increased the major clinical manifestations present times in India. Aim: To study the incidence, prevalence and isolation by serological and molecular methods.Methodology: All the suspected cases clinically were subjected for Weil-Felix test and further confirmation by isolation by molecular method.Results: The study depicts pattern in clinically signs and symptoms with fever, chills and rash in majority cases, along with incidence predominant in above 30 years in male and female group. Out of 262 cases 116 positive by Weil- Felix test and among them 69 showed positive for gltA gene by PCR.Conclusion: Detection of gltA gene is ideal target for the diagnosing of rickettsial infections in early phase of the infection because of its high sensitivity and specificity.