Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 06, 2025 4 hours, 31 minutes ago
Medical News: Scientists Discover a Unique Strain of Scrub Typhus in Tamil Nadu
A team of researchers from multiple institutions in India has identified a previously unknown genotype of the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, which causes scrub typhus, a serious infectious disease transmitted through mite bites.
New Genotype of Scrub Typhus Identified in Southeastern India
This groundbreaking discovery was made in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district, where cases of scrub typhus are prevalent. The study was conducted by scientists from the ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre (Field Unit, Madurai), the Department of Microbiology at Government Medical College and Hospital (Thanjavur), and the Department of Biotechnology at Stella Maris College (Chennai), along with researchers from ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre in Puducherry.
Scrub typhus is a major public health concern in Southeast Asia, particularly in India, where it is often misdiagnosed due to its similarity to other infections such as dengue, leptospirosis, and typhoid. This
Medical News report highlights the significance of identifying new strains, which can improve diagnostics and treatments.
A New Genotype Emerges
The study analyzed blood samples from 59 patients who were diagnosed with scrub typhus using serological tests. Researchers performed genetic sequencing to examine two key genes, GroEL and 56 kDa TSA, which are commonly used to identify different strains of Orientia tsutsugamushi. Out of the 59 samples, 14 were successfully analyzed for genetic variations. The results revealed three distinct genotypes:
-Ot-TJTN (a novel genotype) - Found in 64.3% of the cases
-Karp-like strain - Present in 28.6% of the cases
-Kuroki-Gilliam strain - Identified in 7.1% of cases
The newly identified strain, named Ot-Thanjavur-Tamil Nadu (Ot-TJTN), displayed unique genetic features that set it apart from previously known strains. Further genetic analysis suggested that this novel strain is related to the TA716 strain found in Thailand but has distinct characteristics that make it a unique genotype.
Genetic Analysis and Key Findings
To confirm the discovery, scientists used advanced phylogenetic analysis, a method that examines evolutionary relationships between different genetic sequences. Their research demonstrated that the Ot-TJTN genotype formed a separate cluster from known strains, indicating it has evolved independently.
Additionally, analysis of the 56 kDa TSA gene, which is crucial for diagnosing scrub typhus, revealed significant genetic variations between the Ot-TJTN strain and other existing strains. Eight out of 12 sequences of this gene formed a distinct cluster, reinforcing the uniqueness of this newly discovered genotype.
A detailed similarity plot analysis showed that the Ot-TJTN strain had partial genetic overlap with previously known strains such as Kato and TA716. However, the study confirmed that it represen
ts a new genetic lineage within Orientia tsutsugamushi, making it the first of its kind to be identified in this region.
Implications for Public Health
The identification of this novel genotype has important implications for both diagnostics and disease control. Since scrub typhus is often misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms with other febrile illnesses, understanding the genetic diversity of the pathogen is crucial for developing accurate diagnostic tests and effective treatments.
This discovery also raises concerns about the possibility of emerging variants with different levels of virulence and resistance to current treatments. Further studies are needed to determine the full impact of this strain on human health and whether it requires modifications in diagnostic protocols or treatment strategies.
Future Research and Conclusion
The study’s findings emphasize the need for continued genetic surveillance of Orientia tsutsugamushi in India. Researchers call for further investigations into the transmission dynamics of this novel strain, including its presence in mite vectors and rodent hosts. Understanding these factors will be crucial in preventing future outbreaks and improving disease management strategies.
The emergence of this new genotype highlights the importance of ongoing research in infectious disease monitoring, particularly in regions where scrub typhus is endemic. Identifying and studying new strains will help health authorities implement better control measures and ensure early detection of potentially dangerous variants.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Microorganisms.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/2/333
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/outbreak-news-scrub-typhus-infections-rising-in-bharat-india-with-5-deaths-so-far
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