Typhus laboratory findings
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Laboratory Findings
A diagnosis of rickettsial diseases is based on two or more of the following:
- clinical symptoms and an epidemiologic history compatible with a rickettsial disease,
- the development of specific convalescent-phase antibodies reactive with a given pathogen or antigenic group,
- a positive polymerase chain reaction test result,
- specific immunohistologic detection of rickettsial agent,
- isolation of a rickettsial agent. Ascertaining the likely place and the nature of potential exposures is particularly helpful for accurate diagnostic testing.
Electrolyte and Biomarker Studies
A complete blood count (CBC) may show anemia and low platelets. Other blood tests for typhus may show:
- High level of typhus antibodies
- Low level of albumin
- Low sodium level
- Mild kidney failure
- Mildly high liver enzymes