To Study Clinical Profile and Significance of Rathi Goodman Aghai Score System in Rickettsial Infection in Central Maharashtra

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Rickettsial disease has nowadays emerging as one of the most common causes of exanthematous fever with rash with high mortality and morbidity. Rickettsial fever cases are being reported from all over India. Objectives: The study aims to evaluate prevalence, demographic and clinical details of the cases of rickettsial infection in central India and to assess the significance of Rathi Goodman Aghai (RGA) score and Weil Felix test in diagnosis of rickettsial infection. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective, analytical comparative study. Patients between age group of 2 months to 18 years from endemic area presenting with fever of more than 4 days duration and/or typical rash (maculopapular/necrotic) with eschar and supporting laboratory test were included in the study. Patients’ demographic and clinical data were analyzed by the software STATA software. and Chi square test. Results: The most common age group affected was between 1 and 5 years (38.09%). 76.19% of patients were from rural area. All the patients 21 (100%) presented with fever. The most common complication was meningoencephalitis (42.85%). Rathi Aghai score was positive in 90.47% of the patients. Weil Felix test was positive in 85.71% cases, out of which 33.33% of patients had OXK strain. The sensitivity and specificity of RGA score was found to be 94.44% and 33.33%, respectively, with positive predictive value of 89.47%. Conclusion: RGA score is a good tool for diagnosis of rickettsial infection with sensitivity and specificity of 94.44% and 33.33%, respectively.