Development and internal validation of clinical prediction models for scrub typhus and doxycycline-treatable causes in paediatric acute encephalitis syndrome in Karnataka, India: a multicentre, prospective study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Scrub typhus and other doxycycline-treatable infections are significant contributors of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) in India. Limited surveillance in South India has hindered their recognition and the inclusion of doxycycline in treatment protocols. We aimed to systematically investigate infectious aetiologies of AES in children from Karnataka, India, and develop clinical prediction models for diagnosing scrub typhus and guiding clinical decisions for doxycycline therapy.

Methods

This multicentre, prospective study enrolled children aged >28 days to 18 years with AES presenting to three tertiary care hospitals in Bengaluru, India. Primary outcomes were microbiological diagnosis of AES and clinical prediction models for diagnosing scrub typhus and identifying

SUBMITTER: Damodar T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12266524 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature