Weil Felix

This test is used to detect the antibodies produced in the bacteria causing scrub typhus fever. It is a type of infection transferred through the bite of mites.

What is Scrub Typhus?

Scrub typhus is a bacterial disease caused by bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi. The bacteria is transferred from people through the bite of mites(infected chiggers). These are commonly found in rural areas of southeast Asia, Indonesia, India, Japan, northern Australia. The person infected with scrub typhus would develop fever, chills. Confusion, coma, rashes. Etc.

If left untreated the person may develop organ damage and severe bleeding, which can be fatal. The signs and symptoms of scrub typhus are similar to other infections like typhoid, leptospirosis, etc. Confirmatory diagnosis is necessary for the effective treatment of this disease.

Why is this test recommended?

Your doctor may recommend this test if you experience signs or symptoms like chills and fever, body and muscle pain, dry scab-like appearance at the site of insect bite, swelling of glands around the neck, armpits, groin area, etc.

The doctor may recommend this test as a differential diagnosis to rule out diseases like typhoid, leptospirosis, brucellosis, dengue, etc.

Based on your test results your doctor will recommend appropriate treatment or further diagnostic test.

Positive test results indicate rickettsial infection and the individual may be suffering from scrub typhus.

Negative test results indicate the absence of rickettsial infection and the individual does not have scrub typhus.

False positive test results are obtained during the diagnosis for certain diseases like leptospirosis, or relapsing fever diseases which are different from rickettsial infections, brucellosis, Proteus infections, etc.