Research Paper Title

An unusual outbreak of Rickettsial infection among army soldiers engaged in reconnaissance mission in Northern Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Rickettsial infections (RI) are re-emerging in Sri Lanka. Sero-epidemiological studies show that Spotted Fever Group (SFG) is more prevalent in the Central hilly part of Sri Lanka while Scrub Typhus (ST) is predominantly seen in peripheral wet and dry lands.

However, new, different types of rickettsioses have been described over last two decades worldwide. One such example is Tick Borne Lymphadenopathy (TIBOLA) caused by Rickettsia slovaca. It belongs to the SFG and was first described as a human pathogen in 1997. Clinical features of TIBOLA include a tick bite, an inoculation eschar especially on the scalp, cervical lymphadenopathy, fever seen only in 25-30% of patients and delayed antibody response.

The researchers describe a rickettsial outbreak observed among army personnel engaged in reconnaissance missions in the Vanni jungles of Northern Sri Lanka.

Reference

Dahanayaka, N.J. Semage, S.N., Weerakoon, K.G., Marage, P.M.N.C., Rajapakse, R.P.V.J. & Agampodi, S.B. (2017) An unusual outbreak of Rickettsial infection among army soldiers engaged in reconnaissance mission in Northern Sri Lanka. Ceylon Medical Journal. 62(2), pp.108–109. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/cmj.v62i2.8477.