Scrub typhus due to vertical transmission in a neonate: rare presentation of a common tropical infection

Abstract

Vertical transmission as a route of infection has been well reported in many viral infections. Scrub typhus is a zoonotic disease transmitted by ticks which has had a resurgence in recent times in several tropical countries. It affects all age groups including neonates. Reports of neonates affected with scrub typhus are few, and vertical transmission is rare. We report a case, where a newborn was symptomatic with signs of infection within the first 72 hours of life and Orientia tsutsugamushi, the causative organism was confirmed by PCR in both mother and baby.