A rare case of rickettsial infection presented as febrile delirium in a 4 years old child from a government hospital, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

We report here a documented case of Febrile delirium in a child caused by Rickettsiae. Rickettsial infection is a relatively under-diagnosed entity in children with fever and rash, probably due to low index of suspicion and the lack of definitive diagnostic facilities. Rickettsial infections can be treated effectively with anti-microbials. Developing countries may use Weil Felix test as a diagnostic method, if they remain undiagnosed and untreated, they are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This differential diagnosis should be considered when a child is seen with fever and rash.

Keywords

• bacterial infections
• febrile delirium
• reemerging infections
• rickettsial infections
• spotted fever
• tropical diseases
• weil felix test